DISCUSSION
Aechmea conifera is still poorly known due to its huge size and the fact that it grows on the thicker branches of canopy and emergent trees of the Atlantic forest in the Urucuca region (formerly Agua Preta), Bahia. However, an examination of the protologue and of a specimen recently collected in fruit from the type region [E. Leme 6724 & J. L. Paixao (HB)] led to the recognition of several unique morphological traits of this new endemic taxon from Alagoas. Aechmea serragrandensis is now one of the largest plants ever described for the Pernambuco Center.
The distinguishing traits shown by A. serragrandensis, a member of the subgenus Chevaliera, are floral bracts narrower (ca. 45 mm vs. 55-60 mm wide), ovate (vs. broadly ovate to suborbicular), apex acuminate (vs. subangular, broadly acute to obtuse, ending in a triangular tip), plus longer flowers (70-75 mm vs. ca. 65 mm) and sepals with apex acuminate and minutely mucronate (vs. long cuspidate-subulate).
The name, A. serragrandensis, is in honor of the Usina Serra Grande, Alagoas, today the guardian of 9,000 hectares of forest fragments, one of the most well-preserved areas of Atlantic forest north of the Sao Francisco River. The efforts of this company, and also of its plant in Pernambuco (Usina Trapiche, Sirinhaem), in recuperating and conserving Atlantic forest, Restingas and mangroves serves as a model for the entire region.
Aechmea serragrandensis, like A. conifera, grows on huge trees of the canopy and emergent layer in the forests of Engenho Coimbra, Usina Serra Grande. Some time ago, this species was found in the forest at Fazenda Cela, in Grota do AX, and at Serra da Saudinha, between Maceio and Flexeiras. These forests belong to Usina Cachoeira which, together with other sugar mills, are doing an excellent job of conservation and have been recognized for their efforts.
The limited distribution of A. serragrandensis is a direct consequence of the disappearance of large trees that provide support for this obligate epiphyte. These trees have been selectively felled in the Atlantic forest for decades. The rarity of A. serragrandensis is also related to the fact that it lives in low montane forest at altitudes of 100 to 510 m. This sector has been one of the most seriously disturbed by man, especially due to sugarcane plantations, and we therefore suggest that A. serragrandensis be included on the red list of threatened Brazilian plant species as "critically endangered". p. Frag NE Brazil
