THE DIVERSITY OF GESNERIACEAE AT PNR ZIZO PARK (TAPIRAÍ, SÃO PAULO)

• Grant number: 24/07405-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: July 01, 2024
• End date: June 30, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Botany - Plant Taxonomy
• Principal Investigator: Andréa Onofre de Araújo
• Grantee: Christiane Reis Bigarello
• Host Institution: Centro de Ciências Humanas e Biológicas (CCHB). Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCAR). Sorocaba , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Brazil is home to approximately 28 genera and 232 species belonging to the subfamily Gesnerioideae (Gesneriaceae). In the State of São Paulo, it is possible to find seven genera and 56 species, of which 5 genera and 53 species are found in the Atlantic Forest. The Paranapiacaba Mosaic is considered an important remnant of the Atlantic Forest, having continuous areas of Conservation Units. The Zizo Park is located at the top of the Paranapiacaba Mountain Range. There are no records of Gesneriaceae in this Park, according to virtual databases and bibliography. However, researchers associated with the SORO herbarium have recorded species of the family in the Park. Therefore, the study of Gesneriaceae can contribute to the knowledge of the local flora as well as Sao Paulo State's flora. This work aims to conduct the floristic survey and taxonomic treatment of Gesneriaceae at Zizo Park. Morphological data of the species occurring in the area will be used and the survey will be conducted through collecting specimens of the family and ecological observations of natural populations. The identification of the species will be accomplished by comparing the specimens collected in the field with specimens deposited in herbariums and bibliography about the family. Exsiccates from the area will be used for morphological analyses as well as flowers and fruits preserved in 70% alcohol. In addition to the family monograph from the area, a practical identification guide will be developed with photographs and ecological information about the species found in the Park.