O gênero Sloanea L. (Elaeocarpaceae) na Reserva Florestal Adolpho Ducke

Abstract

Elaeocarpaceae includes 12 genera and 600 species of trees and shrubs distributed over the whole world with the exception of Africa and Europe. In Brazil, the family is represented by the genus Sloanea, with circa 40 species, and the genus Crinodendron with a single species native to the cloud forests of Santa Catarina in South Brazil. This work is a taxonomic treatment for the species of Sloanea occurring in the Ducke Reserve, located nearby Manaus, Central Amazon. The treatment includes identification to key species, followed by morphological descriptions, list of material examined, taxonomic and ecological notes, and illustrations and distribution maps for each species. To confirm the name of each species found in the area, I used published descriptions and keys from floras and monographs, illustrations and digital images of types. Eighteen species in total and three new species to science were recognized. Species differed on vegetative characters and it was possible to elaborate a key based only on these characters. Flower characters and mainly those from the stamen may be essential to allow the correct identification. Although some taxonomic problems could be solved by this study, the number of samples of Sloanea for the area remains low, making it difficult to understand the morphological similarities and differences among species. The lack of fertile material for one species (Sloanea sp. D) precluded its correct identification. More collections are needed for the diversity of Sloanea to be fully understood, not only from the Ducke Reserve, but over the whole Amazon region.