Flora of Ceará, Brazil: Rhamnaceae

Abstract

Abstract We present the floristic-taxonomic and distribution survey of the family Rhamnaceae as part of the “Flora of Ceará: knowing to conserve” project. The survey was based on the analysis of morphological characters of specimens gathered during field expeditions and from herbaria collections, as well as the specialized literature. Rhamnaceae is represented by ten species in Ceará State belonging to five genera: Colubrina (2), Crumenaria (1), Gouania (3), Rhamnidium (1), and Sarcomphalus (3). The species were encountered in various phytophysiognomies, but especially occur in Seasonal Semideciduous Forests (Mata Seca) and the Coastal Zone Vegetation Complex (Lowland Semideciduous Forest). The species with the highest number of records was Sarcomphalus joazeiro, occurring in 62 municipalities. Seven species were encountered in 14 legally protected conservation areas in Ceará. Colubrina cordifolia, Rhamnidium molle, and Crumenaria decumbens occur exclusively in the Caatinga domain, with the first two being endemic to northeastern Brazil. Identification keys, morphological descriptions, comments on distributions, ecology, phenology, and uses of the species are provided, as well as maps and illustrations.