ABSTRACT
The phytogeography and preferred habitat of Crotalaria species from Brazil are studied. Four species are widely distributed in Brazil, while C. goiasensis and C. irwinii are endemic to the state of Goiás, C. clausseni to São Paulo, C. rufipila to Minas Gerais and C. brachycarpa and C. harleyi to Bahia. Crotalaria species occurs in the following biogeographical provinces: Amazonian, Atlantic, Caatinga, Cerrado, Chaqueña, Guayana, Pampeana and Paranaense. The Cerrado province presents the largest number of species with restricted distribution, followed by the Paranaense province. The geographical distribution of species in Brazil shows higher species diversity in the highlands (800 - 2000 m.s.m.), such as the Serra Geral de Goiás, Chapada dos Veadeiros, Espinhaço Range (15-16 spp.), Serra da Mantiqueira and Serra do Mar (14 spp.). As well as the altitude, vegetation and climate influence the distribution of Crotalaria in Brazil.
Key words:
cerrado; Papilionaceae; endemism; highlands; preferred habitat; biogeographical provinces