Carvalho et al. 2026 (Article) Caatinga

Bromeliads of a humid enclave in the Caatinga: Parque Estadual das Sete Passagens, Bahia, Brazil

Author(s):—F. Carvalho-Silva, I.M. Kessous & C.N.D. Fraga

Publication:—Phytotaxa 767(2): 107-134. (2026) — DOI

Abstract:—Parque Estadual das Sete Passagens is a protected area in the northern portion of the Chapada Diamantina, Bahia, Brazil, and represents an important regional biological refuge; however, floristic studies in the area remain scarce. This study aimed to investigate the floristic composition and taxonomic diversity of Bromeliaceae in this protected area. We combined a review of the available literature and herbarium collections with six field expeditions conducted between August 2024 and June 2025, covering sites of known species occurrence and different vegetation types. A total of 26 native taxa distributed across ten genera were recorded: Tillandsia L. (9 spp.), Vriesea Lindl. (5 spp.), Aechmea Ruiz & Pav. (3 spp.), Racinaea M.A.Spencer & L.B.Sm. (2 spp.), and Cottendorfia Schult.f., Cryptanthus Otto & A.Dietr., Dyckia Schult.f., Sincoraea Ule, Stigmatodon Leme, G.K.Br. & Barfuss, and Wittmackia Mez (one species each). We provided descriptions, identification key and taxonomic notes for all recorded species. Among the recorded taxa, ten species are endemic to the state of Bahia, and two, Tillandsia heubergeri Ehlers and Vriesea serraourensis E.H.Souza & Leme, are classified as Vulnerable (VU). Of the 26 taxa inventoried, 17 are newly recorded within the boundaries of Parque Estadual das Sete Passagens. These findings substantially expand the floristic and taxonomic knowledge of Bromeliaceae in the area and provide a solid scientific basis for conservation and ecological restoration initiatives in northeastern Brazil.

Keywords:—botanical survey, Chapada Diamantina, Neotropical flora, northeastern Brazil, Poales