Passifloraceae sensu stricto no município de Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, Brasil

Abstract

Passifloraceae sensu stricto is a mainly pantropical family with ca. 750 species. In Brazil, this diversity is illustrated by 166 species, 163 of which belong to the genus Passiflora, found in all vegetation types across the Brazilian territory. We surveyed the Passifloraceae s.s. family in the municipality of Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, aiming to understand its taxonomic diversity in the region and to learn about the different environments where these plants occur. The municipality is located in the Atlantic Forest, with prevalent vegetation classified as Seasonal Semideciduous Forest, in addition to vegetation on rocky outcrops, cloud forests and campos rupestres associated with formations of the Mantiqueira Range. Expeditions to different areas of the municipality took place from 2022 to 2024. Fertile specimens were collected and deposited in the Leopoldo Krieger Herbarium (CESJ) from the Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora. Additionally, exsiccates from previous observations made in the municipality were compiled, along with the analysis of records from virtual collection platforms. Descriptions were made from herbarium vouchers. The species were identified using specialized taxonomic literature, utilizing informative characters such as stipule and leaf morphology, the shape and distribution of extrafloral nectaries, and internal floral structures such as the corona of filaments, operculum, and limen. Fourteen species of Passiflora were found in the municipality, with about 100 total records, occurring mainly at forest edges, secondary growth vegetation, and anthropic environments, with P. amethystina J.C.Mikan and P. porophylla Vell. also found in natural grassland formations. Three subgenera were represented in the sampling: Astrophea (1 sp.), Decaloba (4 spp.), and Passiflora (9 spp.). The commonest species were P. speciosa Gardner (26 records), P. amethystina (17 records), and P. rhamnifolia Mast. (13 records). Six species endemic to Brazil were observed in the area: P. miersii Mast., P. porophylla, P. rhamnifolia, P. sidifolia M.Roem., P. speciosa, and P. villosa Vell. Noteworthy in this study is the record of P. tenuifila Killip, species belonging to a taxonomically complex group, marking the first record of the species for the Zona da Mata region and Northern Mantiqueira range, basing their observation on these locations and expanding the few records in the state. This survey highlights the importance of urban forest remnants, which serve as refuges for organisms restricted by anthropic pressure, and contributes to taxonomy and future conservation studies in Passifloraceae.