Paullinieae (Sapindaceae) of the restingas of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: taxonomy and distribution

Abstract

Abstract Paullinieae is a predominantly neotropical tribe comprising six genera (Cardiospermum, Lophostigma, Paullinia, Serjania, Thinouia and Urvillea), of which Lophostigma is the only one not found in Brazil. This study was conducted in the sandy coastal plains (restingas) of Rio de Janeiro state, which from the mouth of the Itabapoana river in the north, bordering Espírito Santo state, to Ponta da Trindade (including Ilha Grande) in the south, bordering São Paulo state. This ecosystem has great biodiversity, but has been constantly threatened by deforestation, human occupation and degradation resulting from tourism. In this area we found 30 species in five genera: Cardiospermum (1 sp.), Paullinia (9 spp.), Serjania (15), Thinouia (2) and Urvillea (3). The taxonomic treatment includes a key to identify the taxa, and for each species a morphological description, illustrations, a map of its geographical distribution, ecological information, phenological data, and conservation status. Most species occurred in ridge forests, followed by dune thicket and non-flooded scrub formations. Among of the 30 species, four (Paullinia coriacea, P. ternata, Serjania fluminensis and S. littoralis) were recorded only in the sandy coastal plains, and four are endemic to Rio de Janeiro state (Serjania eucardia, S. fluminensis, S. littoralis and S. tenuis). In addition, four species are already included in the Red List of Brazilian Flora and another three are indicated in this study as threatened. This research is important not only to improve knowledge of Paullinieae species found in Rio de Janeiro’s sandy coastal plains, but also to provide information to be used for conservation measures in the State, as well as in other coastal plains of Brazil.