The Paulo César Vinha State Park (PCVSP), in Setiba, Guarapari Municipality (ES), is the best studied of all restinga conservation units in the state of Espírito Santo. But there is still much to be learned concerning the flora of some of the plant communities found here. From 1997 to 2000, plants were collected on random walks through approximately four hectares of forest that covers the outer beach ridges of the PCVSP. A total of 172 species were surveyed, belonging to 54 families. The most species-rich families are Myrtaceae (25 spp.), Bromeliaceae (14), Orchidaceae (13), Sapotaceae (10), Lauraceae (7), and Rubiaceae (7).The most common geographic distribution pattern, based on the literature, was that of Atlantic coast species, followed by widespread species, species found on both the Atlantic coast and in central Brazil, disjunct species and those endemic to Espírito Santo. Floristic similarity with other coastal areas is directly related to the distance between these areas. The presence of endemic and threatened species in the neighborhood of the Park reinforces the need for effective conservation of this area and provides the incentive to create other conservation units in the restingas of Espírito Santo State.
floristic; restinga; Espirito Santo; Brazil
