Terminalia s.s. (Combretaceae) in Maranhão state, Brazil

Abstract

We present the floristic treatment of the Terminalia species occurring in the state of Maranhão. This study was based on the analysis of national and international herbaria. Six species were recorded from the state: Terminalia actinophylla, T. amazonia, T. dichotoma, T. fagifolia, T. glabrescens, and T. lucida, with one endemic (T. actinophylla) to Brazil. Taxa were commonly recorded in dry Savanna environments (cerrado). Only the species Terminalia fagifolia and T. lucida occur in conservation units in Maranhão, specifically in Mirador State Park, Chapada das Mesas National Park and Ecological Sanctuary of Pedra Caída. In addition to morphological descriptions, this study includes an identification key, illustrations, and comments about taxonomic affinities, geographical distribution, ecology, conservation status, and phenology of the species.

Key words:
cerrado; conservation; diversity; flora; Myrtales