ABSTRACT
This work was based on the analysis of the herbarium material, specialized bibliography and field-collections, recording the occurrence of 36 species of the genus Phyllanthus. Some species of Phyllanthus show distribution in the semi-arid region, with eight species dispersed in the central Southern part of Bahia, four species commonly found in the Eastern part of Northeastern Brazil, and nine species of the genus mainly distributed in the coastal area, in association with the atlantic forest. Other species have a wide ranging distribution. A key to identify the species together with comments about their distribution and habitat is provided.
Key words:
Phyllantheae; diversity; geographical distribution; taxonomy