Estudo florístico-taxonômico no gênero Lepidaploa (Cass.) Cass. (Asteraceae: Vernonieae) para o estado do Ceará, Brasil

Abstract

Ceará is the fourth largest state in the Northeast Region of Brazil and presents diverse environmental conditions that influence the composition of its vegetation types. In the state, the family Asteraceae comprises 128 species distributed in 82 genera. Among these, Lepidaploa (Cass.) Cass. stands out, since Ceará is one of the four Brazilian states with the highest number of species of the genus. Given the new occurrences and species of the genus published in recent years, as well as its economic importance, the group demonstrates considerable potential for further investigation. The phylogenetic and morphological proximity to other genera of Asteraceae hampers the recognition of Lepidaploa species, thereby affecting the current knowledge of the taxon. This study aimed to conduct a floristic survey and taxonomic study of Lepidaploa species in the state of Ceará. Technical visits were carried out to the herbaria EAC, HCDAL, HDELTA, and HUVA, and high-resolution online images from the herbaria HVASF and K were examined, in addition to field expeditions conducted between October 2024 and August 2025. Identifications were based on specialized literature, protologues, images of specimens, and type collections. As a result, nine species were recorded for the state, one of which corresponds to a new species to science. Occurrences were mainly associated with areas of dry forests, moist forests, and crystalline Caatinga vegetation in Ceará, with most species associated with higher elevations (700–1300 m). Six species had part of their records within Conservation Units of the state, including five Strictly Protected Areas and two Sustainable Use Areas. An identification key for the species, descriptions, taxonomic comments, photographic plates, and distribution maps are presented here.