Floristic Distribution Patterns of Araceae Juss. in the Atlantic Forest of Rio de Janeiro

Araceae play a crucial role in the biodiversity of the Atlantic Forest, enhancing its ecological complexity and ecosystem function. However, distribution knowledge within this Phytogeographic Domain remains limited. This study aims to elucidate the distribution patterns of Araceae in the Atlantic Forest of Rio de Janeiro by assessing floristic similarity across fifteen sites using Sørensen similarity analysis and evaluating the influence of environmental and geographical variables through Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA) and Mantel tests. Nineteen genera and 87 species were identified for Rio de Janeiro, representing 95% and 78.4% of native Araceae genera and species, respectively. Ten species were classified as rare and four as common. Sørensen similarity coefficients ranged from 0.11 to 0.86, indicating moderate to high floristic similarity among sites. CCA explained 26% of the variation in species composition, highlighting the influence of temperature and precipitation on the distribution of Araceae species. Mantel test further confirmed significant correlations between species distribution and environmental gradients. This study advances the understanding of Araceae biogeography and provides crucial data for conservation planning and ecological restoration efforts, emphasizing key areas for conservation and sustainable management.

Keywords:
Biodiversity; Environmental Variables; Floristic Similarity; Protected Areas; Rarity; Species Conservation