With an aim to contribute to our knowledge of distribution patterns of Paspalum species, this study examines the distribution of the species that occur in Pernambuco. In order to do this, extensive reviews of the literature, of specimens deposited in several herbaria, and of databases available on the Internet, in addition to collections made in the State of Pernambuco were performed. The 31 species analyzed were classified into two distribution patterns: broad, with 29 species and restricted, with two species. The species with restricted distribution are found in the Northeast region of Brazil, with one endemic to the semi-arid domain and the other until now only recorded from the Atlantic coast of Brazil. The broad distribution pattern can be subdivided into two groups, continuous and disjunct, which can be subsequently classified into three subgroups: American, Central-South American, and South American. The importance of this analysis for a better understanding of flora of Pernambuco origins is also discussed.
endemism; Gramineae; grasses; Pernambuco
