Floristic of Rubiaceae in an Atlantic Forest remnant in Espírito Santo, Brazil

Abstract This study presents the updated floristic inventory of the family Rubiaceae in Mata das Flores State park (MFSP), Castelo, Espírito Santo. The studied forest remnant is located in one of the priority areas for Atlantic Forest conservation on the southern portion of the state. The list gave support to the analysis of floristic similarity between the studied fragment and 17 other areas of the Atlantic Forest, using cluster analysis and ordination methods. A total of 45 species and two subspecies were identified. They belong to 20 genera. Psychotria (8 spp.) was the most representative genus, followed by Faramea (6 spp.) and Rudgea (4 spp.). Four taxa are new species to science. Four taxa are listed in different threat categories. Cluster and ordination analysis revealed that Mata das Flores is distinct from the other areas in the Atlantic Forest. The results point to the Mata das Flores State Park as an important center of diversity for Rubiaceae in Espirito Santo.