Flora of Paraíba, Brazil: Commelinaceae Mirb.

Resumen

Abstract This study comprises the taxonomic survey of Commelinaceae in the State of Paraíba, northeastern Brazil, aiming present the richness and distribution of its species. Field expeditions were undertaken between March/2022 and June/2023 to obtain fertile specimens and identify natural populations. Morphological analyses were based mainly on the local herbarium collection (HACAM) and on collections maintained in local herbaria (CSTR, EAN, HCES, and JPB), as well as in herbaria from Pernambuco State (IPA and PEUFR) and digital platforms (Herbário Virtual Reflora and SpeciesLink). Taxonomic identifications were based on specialized literature, including consultations of the nomenclatural types and protologues. A total of 18 species belonging to nine genera were identified (12 species encountered in the Caatinga and 15 in the Atlantic Forest). The genera Commelina L. and Tradescantia L. emend. M.Pell. were the most taxonomically diversified, with four species each. Dichorisandra perforans and D. thyrsiflora represented new occurrences for the study area. The taxonomic treatments include morphological descriptions, identification key, geographic distribution data, preferred environments, flowering and/or fruiting data, images, and taxonomic notes based on the vegetative and reproductive characteristics of each species.