Taxonomic synopsis of Sapindaceae in the Upper Paraná Atlantic Forest

Sapindaceae is one of the richest families in the Atlantic Forest and an important component of tropical and subtropical forests, with an ecological role in environmental dynamics both in the structure and in the canopy of tree and climbing species. This work aims to contribute to the floristic knowledge of Sapindaceae in the Iguaçu National Park (Brazil) and the Iguazú National Park (Argentina). Were found 24 native species in both areas, of which three are cosmopolitan, 19 neotropical and two endemics of Brazil; whereas regarding the habit, 18 are climbing species and six are arboreal. In the protected areas, 20 species are found in the Iguaçu National Park and 19 species in the Iguazú National Park, with some differences in the species composition. All 24 species were found in Seasonal Semidecidual Forest and only five species were also found in Mixed Ombrophilous Forest. The most diverse genera were Serjania with eight species, and Allophylus, Cardiospermum and Urvillea with three species each. Serjania hatschbachii is recorded for the first time for the western region of Paraná. A key for the identification of the species, diagnosis, scientific illustrations and/or photographs, geographic distribution, habitat, phenology, common names and observations are presented.

Key words:
flora; Iguaçu National Park; Iguazú National Park; Sapindaceae; Semideciduous Seasonal Forest