Nogueira et al. 2015 (Conference Paper) Vriesea

Diversity of species, altitudinal gradient and flowering season of Vriesea in Bahia, Brazil

Author(s):—M. Nogueira, L. Versieux & A.A. Conceição 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:—Vriesea is the third largest genus of Bromeliaceae, more than 300 species are found in the Neotropics and 219 species in Brazil, with 208 (~ 95%) endemic to the country, focused mainly in the rainforests of eastern Brazil, which is one of the diversity centers of the genus. Recent studies indicate that mountainous areas, such as the Espinhaço Range, act as the western boundary of distribution, in addition to being an additional center for diversification of the genus. With a large variety of soils, topography and climate, the state of Bahia has different and diverse phytogeographic areas such as savanna, cerrado, grasslands with rock outcrops, tropical deciduous forests, rainforests, presenting also two major centers of endemism: the Chapada Diamantina in Espinhaço Range domain and Atlantic Rainforest of eastern Bahia. Knowledge of Vriesea diversity in Bahia has increased in recent decades, with publications of new species year after year, however, a large number of undetermined collections or doubtful are still observed in the herbaria. Due to its great ecological importance and high number of species found in Bahia, this study focused on increasing knowledge of the taxa from Vriesea in Bahia and understanding of a possible relationship between flowering season and the distribution of species. A total of 52 species of Vriesea was recognized, with two pikes in season flowering, probably related to the two majors centers of occurrence. The species were observed, collected, and the altitudinal gradient was registered to compare the two centers. The rainy season can be related to flowering, which showed first and second peak of blossoming. Tables with flowering season, altitudinal gradient and similarity of species are provided.

Keywords:—Bromeliaceae; Tillandsioideae; Northeast Brazil.