ABSTRACT
A taxonomic study for the family Verbenaceae s. s. was performed in the region of the influence area of the Xingó hydroelectric, situated under the domain of semi-arid region in northeastern Brazil. The predominant vegetation at the study area is Caatinga but phytosociological approaches for this area are lack. Eight species were found distributed in three genera: Lantana camara L., Lantana canescens Kunth, Lippia alba (Mill.) N. E. Br., Lippia gracilis Schauer, Lippia microphylla Cham., Lippia pedunculosa Hayek, Stachytarpheta angustifolia (Mill.) Vahl and Stachytarpheta microphylla Walp. In this area, the species are distributed mainly along dry environments in sandy-clayey or stony soils, and species of the genus Stachytarpheta Vahl found in flooded or wet environments. Identification keys for determining genera and species determinations are given, as well as illustrations with diagnostic characters and comments on geographical distribution of taxa.
Key-words:
floristics; Verbenaceae; Xingó; Caatinga vegetation