Barnadesieae, Gochnatieae, Mutisieae and Nassauvieae (Asteraceae) in the Atlantic Forest of Caparaó National Park, Brazil.

Abstract

Asteraceae is highly diverse in the Atlantic Forest, especially in montane environments. The early-diverging tribes within Asteraceae are of particular interest because of their great representation in Brazil and unique features within the family. Thus, a floristic inventory and systematic treatment of these basal grade in Caparaó National Park, an important remnant of Atlantic Forest that has been highlighted for its diversity and endemism, were undertaken. The study was conducted by examining specimens from representative collections of Caparaó and a field expedition. A total of 15 species were found, representing six genera and four tribes, with Mutisieae and Nassauvieae being the most representatives. Six of the species have restricted distributions, either to Brazil (3 spp.), the Atlantic Forest (2) or Caparaó mountain (Mutisia lutzii). Three new records were documented for the park, namely Chaptalia integerrima, Moquiniastrum polymorphum and Mutisia coccinea. Floristic inventories and systematic treatments can make great contributions to science by bringing a better understanding our biodiversity and providing relevant information about flora for the conservation of priority areas.