Pteridaceae in remnants of Cerrado in Maranhão state, Brazil

Abstract

Abstract. The Pteridaceae is one of the most diverse families of ferns, with representatives adapted to diverse habitats ranging from aquatic to dry environments. It is the most species-rich family of ferns in the Brazilian Cerrado, although it is still poorly known in some areas of this domain in Maranhão state. Our objective was to investigate the diversity of Pteridaceae in Cerrado remnants in Maranhão. We based our study on the morphological analyses of specimens deposited in the herbaria, as well as additional new collections made by us and collaborators. Five genera comprising 15 species were recorded. Illustrations, an identification key, taxonomic comments, habitat, and geographic distribution are provided.