Mentheae (Nepetoideae - Lamiaceae) from the Itatiaia National Park, Brazil

Abstract

Abstract This study details the floristic diversity of Mentheae (Lamiaceae - Nepetoideae) from the Itatiaia National Park, the first Protected Area in Brazil. Among the 30 species of Lamiaceae cited for the Park, we recorded 15 species belonging to Mentheae arranged in seven genera: Cunila (2 spp.), Hedeoma (1 sp.), Hesperozygis (1 sp.), Lepechinia (1 sp.), Prunella (1 sp.), Rhabdocaulon (1 sp.), and Salvia (8 spp.). The region presents significant diversity, considering the 62 native species of Mentheae recorded in the Brazilian Southeast. The species are distributed in the Park’s different vegetation types, mostly in shaded areas of the ombrophilous forests or throughout high-altitude grasslands. We provide a complete description for each species and an identification key, as well as comments on species distribution, habitat, morphological variation, and phenology.