FLORA OF RIO GRANDE DO NORTE: ARACEAE, AN ORNAMENTAL FAMILY
conservation, diversity, landscaping, ornamental plants, taxonomy
Araceae belongs to the group of angiosperms, monocotyledons, Alismatales order, and is represented by 126 genera and between 2,500 and 4,000 species. Distributed throughout the Brazilian territory, in 47 genera and 519 species in the different biomes. However, studies point to gaps in the knowledge of species not yet recognized or identified in neotropical regions, such as the Northeast Brazil, including the state of Rio Grande do Norte (RN). Rio Grande do Norte flora is partially known and still does not have a taxonomic treatment and studies on uses and potentials for Araceae, recognized for presenting species of economic and ecological interest, used in ornamentation, food, and with medicinal applications. Thus, the objective of this work is to describe the Araceae of Rio Grande do Norte, as well as to analyze the diversity of the family, its ornamental potential and expand the information on its distribution and conservation. Data collection for the study took place through consultations of specimens deposited at the UFRN herbarium, in addition to consultations via online platforms to the herbaria (UFPI; MOSS; EAN; JPB; CEPEC; HURB; HUEFS; UFP; ASE; HTSA; UB; HEPH; HST; IPA; Coleção de Fanerógamas – SP; EAC; VIES e UEC) about the cataloging of that family. Twenty-five species distributed in fourteen genera were recorded. The genera with the highest number of representatives were: Anthurium (five spp.), Lemna (three spp.), Taccarum (three spp.), Montrichardia (two spp.), Philodendron (two spp.) e Spathicarpa (two spp.), the others are represented by one species each. Thirteen new occurrences were found for the state flora, of which five belong to genera registered for the first time. This study also presents photos, identification key, taxonomic comments, geographic distribution of genera and species, maps and descriptions of each species of the family found in the state.