A synopsis of Convolvulaceae from the Upper Turi-Gurupi region in the Amazon of Maranhão, Brazil

Abstract

A synopsis of Convolvulaceae species from the Upper Turi-Gurupi region, a strategic area for the conservation of Amazonian biodiversity in the state of Maranhão, is presented. Field samples and herbarium collections were analyzed to build a list of species, indicating the most representative taxa and providing data on growth habit, geographic distribution, occurrence in Brazilian phytogeographic domains, and distribution in the Upper Turi-Gurupi region. Twenty-one species and nine genera (Aniseia Choisy, Bonamia Thouars, Camonea Raf., Distimake Raf., Evolvulus L., Ipomoea L., Maripa Aubl., Odonellia K.R. Robertson, and Operculina Silva Manso) were recorded. Ipomoea was the most representative genus, with 10 species, and Ipomoea asarifolia was the most collected species. Maripa scandens Aubl. is a new record for the state of Maranhão and in relation to the last taxonomic work of Convolvulaceae in the Amazon, which covered Maranhão, 10 species are new records for the state. A heterogeneous distribution of the species and sampling gaps of Convolvulaceae were observed in the region, pointing to the need for further surveys. This study contributes to the knowledge of this botanical family in the Amazon territory and stimulates the conservation of the Amazonian flora in Maranhão, since the study area is under strong pressure from environmental degradation and is one of the most threatened in terms of biodiversity loss in the Amazon.