Taxonomic revision of the genus Esterhazya J. C. Mikan (Orobanchaceae)

• Grant number: 11/20009-7
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• Start date: February 01, 2012
• End date: July 31, 2014
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Botany - Plant Taxonomy
• Principal Investigator: Vinicius Castro Souza
• Grantee: Jesiani Rigon
• Host Institution: Escola Superior de Agricultura Luiz de Queiroz (ESALQ). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Piracicaba , SP, Brazil

Abstract

(Taxonomic revision of the genus Esterhazya J.C Mikan (Orobanchaceae)). Esterhazya J.C Mikan ( Orobanchaceae) is a taxonomically complex genus of hemiparasites of roots. Is represented by five species: Esterhazya macrodonta (Cham.) Benth, E. nanuzae V.C Souza, E. splendida J.C Mikan, E. caesarea (Cham & Schltdl.) V.C Souza, and E. eitenorum Barringer., distributed in Brazil, Paraguay and Bolivia. E. splendida and E. macrodonta are more common and widespread, while E. nanuzae, E. eitenorum and E. caesarea are rare species of restricted occurrence in an altitude camps. This work has as main goal the taxonomic revision of the genus Esterhazya and phylogenetic analysis of the group. Morphology analyze of reproductive and vegetative parts will be made based on specimens collected in field and exsiccates herbarium national and international as well analysis of the results obtained from DNA sequencing. Additional studies will also be focusing on the complex E. splendida which has considerable morphological heterogeneity, it is expected anatomy and genetic studies of population in partnership with researchers from other institutions. At the end of the work will be reported species descriptions, illustrations, identification key and maps of geographic distribution.