The genus Chamaecrista (Leguminosae: Caesalpinioideae) in Parque estadual do Rio Preto, São Gonçalo do Rio Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil

Abstract

The genus Chamaecrista has a pantropical distribution and it is well represented in the Brazilian flora, mainly in “campos rupestres” and Riparian forests. In Brazil, 256 species are found, of which 149 are found only in Minas Gerais, corresponding more than a half of genus diversity in the country. The area selected for the study, Parque Estadual do Rio Preto (PERP), belongs to Espinhaço Range. The vegetation is composed mainly of physiognomies of cerrado and “campos rupestres”, also existing areas of gallery forests and galleries. The objective of this study was to carry out the floristic and taxonomic survey of Chamaecrista at PERP, to elaborate key of identification of the species and taxonomic descriptions of the same ones. The collections were carried out within a period of two years, through unsystematic walks. The collected material was identified and deposited in the OUPR and BOTU Herbaria. 19 taxa were collected and described that comprises the Absus, Chamaecrista and Xerocalyx sections.