The Apocynoid grade (Apocynaceae) in Eastern Northeast Brazil

Abstract

A taxonomic study of the representatives of the Apocynoid grade (Apocynaceae) in Eastern Northeast Brazil is presented, and includes an identification key, morphological descriptions, comments, illustrations, photos, and a table. The study area includes the States of Ceará, Rio Grande do Norte, Paraíba, Pernambuco and Alagoas. The botanical material was collected, prepared, and deposited at the UFP herbarium. The collections of regional herbaria were analyzed. A total of 28 species were recorded belonging to seven genera, being Mandevilla (nine spp.), Prestonia (six spp.), Forsteronia (five spp.), Macropharynx, Odontadenia, Secondatia e Temnadenia (two spp. each). The State with the highest number of species was Pernambuco (21 spp.) and the most species-rich phytogeographic domain was the Atlantic Forest (21 spp.). Most species are climbers and vines (27 spp.), except Mandevilla dardanoi (subshrub) and M. tenuifolia (climber or erect subshrub). Ten species had their distribution expanded in the study area. The follicles of Mandevilla catimbauensis are illustrated by the first time.