Identification key for lycophytes and ferns from the Picinguaba and Santa Virgínia Nuclei, Parque Estadual da Serra do Mar, Ubatuba, SP, Brazil

Abstract

Abstract This work contributes to the knowledge of the fern and lycophytes diversity in the Picinguaba and Santa Virginia Nuclei, Parque Estadual da Serra do Mar (PESM), Ubatuba, São Paulo, Brazil, as well as to provide subsidies to identification of the found taxa in these areas. In total, 30 collecting expeditions were conducted and the vouchers were deposited at UEC Herbarium. We have identified 135 species distributed in 53 genera and 19 families for both areas. The most representative families were Polypodiaceae (28 species) and Dryopteridaceae (19 species), whereas Asplenium (12 species), Blechnum and Elaphoglossum (8 species each) were the most important genera. Epiphytic species predominated (62 overall), probably due to the presence of favorable habitats. Among the taxa, 41 are considered endemic from Brazil, 35 of them endemic to the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. Five species are classified as vulnerable according to the “Official list of endangered species in the State of São Paulo”: Elaphoglossum macahense (Fée) Rosenst., Anetium citrifolium (L.) Splitg., Asplenium muellerianum Rosenst., Cyathea glaziovii (Fée) Domin, and Thelypteris angustifolia (Willd.) Proctor, which emphasizes the importance of preservation areas such as the Parque Estadual da Serra do Mar. An identification key has been elaborated to help with the recognition of these groups in Picinguaba and Santa Virgínia Nuclei.