Survey of Orchidaceae species of Serra das Cabeças, in Parque Estadual da Serra do Brigadeiro, Araponga-MG, Brazil

Abstract

ABSTRACT Ecology of orchid species was studied, surveyed and characterized on Serra das Cabeças, a subunit of Parque Estadual da Serra do Brigadeiro (PESB), Araponga-MG, Brazil. Data were obtained through monthly visits on all trails of the area, from 2004 to 2014 covering different types of vegetation, collecting some species and identifying them. We observed characteristics such as type of vegetation, habitat where each species was found, intensity of luminosity, altitude and position of plants in relation to watercourses. Obtained results allowed to conclude: 80 species were identified, of which 45 had not been reported for PESB; five for the state of Minas Gerais, and four for Brazilian flora. Concerning habitat, 57.50% are epiphytic, 1.25% hemiepiphytic, 2.50% humic, 15.00% lithophytic and 23.75% terrestrial. Considering vegetation, 52.50% are located in upper montane forest, 1.25% understorey, 10.00% slope forest, 8.75% in transition forest to altitude field, and 27.50% in altitude field. The survey of Orchidaceae species of present study will allow updating the lists of species present in PESB and of Brazilian flora, recorded in Jardim Botânico in Rio de Janeiro State.