Bryophytes diversity in Brazil

Abstract

The bryoflora of Brazil comprises 1,524 species, 117 families, and 413 genera (11 hornworts, 633 liverworts, and 880 mosses). The most diverse families of liverworts are: Lejeuneaceae (285 species), Lepidoziaceae (48), Frullaniaceae (37), Ricciaceae (36), Plagiochilaceae (27), Radulaceae and Metzgeriaceae (26 each), Lophocoleaceae (18), Aneuraceae (15), and Calypogeiaceae (13); while, for the mosses, we have: Sphagnaceae (83 species), Fissidentaceae (65) Pottiaceae (63), Dicranaceae (54), Bryaceae and Sematophyllaceae (53 each), Orthotrichaceae and Pilotrichaceae (51 each), Calymperaceae (48), and Hypnaceae (28). These large groups account for 71% of the Brazilian bryophyte species. Lejeuneaceae and Sphagnaceae are the families with highest number of endemic taxa (54 and 60 species). The Atlantic Rainforest presents the greatest number of species (1,337), followed by the Amazon Rainforest (570) and Cerrado (478). The highest number of endemic species (242) is associated with the Atlantic Rainforest, where the Dense Ombrophilous Forest concentrates 73% of the species with 62% endemism. The Southeastern region is the most diverse in number of species (1,228) and with more endemism (219). Most endangered species are restricted to the Atlantic Rainforest of southeastern Brazil, which is the diversity and endemism centre for mosses and liverworts. The information currently presented by the Brazilian List is close to the real bryophyte diversity found in the country.

Key words:
hornworts; liverworts; mosses; bryoflora; South America