The genus Scleria P. J. Bergius (Cyperaceae) in Pará state, Brazil
Amazonia. Monocotiledons. Poales. Scleriae. Taxonomy.
Scleria P.J. Bergius is one of the largest genus of Cyperaceae Juss., with nearly 250 especies. Scleria show pantropical distribution and occurs in dense and open florested areas, under umid, sandy or rochy soils. It is represented in Brazilian territory by 76 especies, recorded in all phytogeographical domains. Despite the recognized diversity, some studies about the Scleria have gaps in the morphological information of the species, which makes it difficult to determine and apply some names. In Brazil, the studies developed about Scleria are often about local floras, still little know the Amazonian and Pará floras. Thus this study aims to realize the taxonomic treatemant of Scleria species wich occurs in Pará based on the materials at Amazonian herbaria (HBRA, HCJS, HSTM, IAN, INPA, MFS e MG) and extra Amazonian herbaria (CEN, IBGE, RB e UB); it also with field collections. Specialized bibliographies, originals descriptions and types were used for the determinations. About 600 specimens were analyzed, which resulted in the determination of 30 species and one Scleria sp., three of which are new records for the state of Pará, and a new occurrence for the Americas. Additionally, are designated four lectotypes and one particular treatment was assigned to nine species found in the restingas of the state. In the taxonomic treatment, morphological descriptions, diagnostic comments, distribution data, habitats and illustrations were developed, contributing to knowledge of the Amazonian and therefore to the Brazilian flora.