Versieux et al. 2015 (Conference Paper) Bromeliaceae

Advances in the taxonomy and floristics of Brazilian Bromeliaceae, a collaborative perspective of selected case studies

Author(s):—L. Versieux, P. Lavor, M. Nogueira, T. Machado, Á.T.E. Magalhães, A. Medeiros, P. Alves, V. Sousa, C. Luz, V.Conceição Santos, Cássio van Den Berg, Reyjane Oliveira, Gecele Paggi, João Coffani-Nunes, Andrea Costa & Jac in Benko-Iseppon, A.M.; Alves, M. & Louzada, R. (2015) An overview and abstracts of the First World Congress on Bromeliaceae Evolution. Rodriguésia 66(2): A1-A66.

Publication:— (2015).

Abstract:—The knowledge of Brazilian Bromeliaceae is progressively improving. However, many regions are still understudied, as are some dry habitats and the Amazonian region. Here we present an overview of the advances on the taxonomy and floristics of integrative, unpublished or recently published research, primarily focused on Tillandsioideae: Alcantarea and Vriesea, as well as Bromelioideae: Araeococcus and Cryptanthus. Also,a discussion will be provided on the improvement of the floristic knowledge of Bromeliaceae in previously understudied regions, such as the northern Caatinga biome, specifically the states of Rio Grande do Norte, Ceará and Piauí, where several new occurrences are being recorded (e.g. Aechmea muricata, Cryptanthus zonatus, Dyckia tubifilamentosa, and Orthophytum disjunctum); the state of Mato Grosso do Sul (11 genera and 41 spp); the state of Bahia, which has a flora project underway, with the taxonomic treatment of Alcantarea published and Tillandsia and Vriesea nearly concluded; and Sergipe, where the treatment of Bromeliaceae for the Flora of Sergipe is in press. These works point toward the need to conduct further field-work and produce floras, to improve the scientific collections since many species are still poorly understood, and they suggest the necessity to consider establishing centralized and institutional living collections and DNA banks in order to take advantage of the material collected by different students in their research. The progress on the taxonomy of Alcantarea will also be briefly discussed using recent data on palynology and molecular markers (A. imperialis vs. A. brasiliana). This genus has been monographed recently and currently comprises nearly 40 species. Additional studies involving species delimitation in Vriesea, Guzmania and Mezobromelia will be discussed using molecular, floral, and anatomical data, indicating the necessity to collaborate at the national and international level. Opportunities and challenges for new research within the Bromeliaceae in Brazil will also be discussed, highlighting the need for more taxonomic work in the group.

Keywords:—Bromeliads; Epiphytes; Taxonomy.