Basic data are presented regarding the ecology and distribution of Nothochilus coccineus Radlk., the only species of the genus, endemic to the "campos de altitude" of the Caparaó Massif, Southeastern Brazil, in the National Park of Caparaó. The spatial population structure and pertinent landscape elements are dealt with in the context of their probable influences on the population dynamics of this rare and threatened plant. N. coccineus was found to be restricted to disjunct populations occurring above 2,450m on the highest peaks in the massif; on these peaks, N. coccineus grows only on steep south and west slopes, in deep humic soils. The presence of bamboos of the genus Chusquea may also be a necessary precondition for the occurrence of N. coccineus, as Chusquea roots were frequently found parasitized. South-facing slopes appear to provide an optimum habitat for N. coccineus, based on statistical comparisons of soil characteristics, plant height, and plant growth made since 1994. The distances between populations, and the somewhat limited range of seed dispersal may result in the genetic isolation of some of the outlying populations of N. coccineus, but with regard to the short-term survival of the species and genus, grazing and the frequent occurrence of anthropogenic fire in the "campos de altitude" of Caparaó clearly constitute the greatest threats.
Nothochilus coccineus; Scrophulariaceae; rare species; Caparaó; campos de altitude; livestock grazing; fire