Vascular epiphytes in a remnant of seasonal semideciduous forest in zona da mata of Minas Gerais, Brazil

Abstract

This study was performed in a remnant of Seasonal Semideciduous Forest at Fazenda Fortaleza de Sant'Anna, in the municipality of Chácara, Minas Gerais, Brazil (22.0129S, 43.8628W), in an area of ca. 1 ha, via monthly expeditions throughout the year 2012. We found 91 species of vascular epiphytes, distributed in 44 genera and 12 families. The richest families were Orchidaceae (35 spp.), Bromeliaceae (18 spp.), Polypodiaceae (10 spp.), Piperaceae (nine spp.) and Araceae (seven spp.). Two species were recorded for the first time in Minas Gerais: Rodriguezia sticta and Stelis oligantha (Orchidaceae). Rhipsalis oblonga (Cactaceae) was recollected in the state after about 100 years without records. Four species are cited in the list of endangered plants in Minas Gerais: Nematanthus crassifolius (Gesneriaceae) and Cattleya bicolor (Orchidaceae) are in the category "Vulnerable" (VU), Nidularium azureum (Bromeliaceae) and Pleurothallis pectinata (Orchidaceae) are "Critically Endangered" (CR). Nidularium azureum is also cited as CR in the Red Book of Brazilian Flora. Most species were classified as characteristic holoepiphytes and anemochory was the most frequent dispersion syndrome.