Winteraceae R.Br. ex Lindl from Serra da Mantiqueira, Brazil

Abstract

Winteraceae is a characteristic element of montane flora of Central and South America. In Brazil, this family comprises only the genus Drimys, with three accepted species. Considering the importance of taxonomic studies for conservation of remaining montane fragments in Atlantic Forest and the necessity to expand studies of this family in Brazil, this study presents the floristic treatment of Winteraceae for the Serra da Mantiqueira, Southeast Brazil. In this region, there is only one species, Drimys brasiliensis, with its majority of collection records (86.7%) concentrated on conservation units (state and national) and with the largest sampling effort condensed in the southern portion of the mountains. Descriptions, illustrations, taxonomic commentaries (including comparisons among species occurring in Brazil) and biogeographical considerations are provided.