The genus Ipomoea (Convolvulaceae) in the state of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil

Abstract Ipomoea has a cosmopolitan distribution, being more diverse in the tropics. It is the largest genus of Convolvulaceae, containing about 700 species, with more than a half occurring in the Americas. Approximately 150 species occur in Brazil, of which 80 are found in the Northeast region. The state of Rio Grande do Norte is considered one of the least floristically known in Brazil. This study was based on field expeditions and analysis of specimens from the herbaria. Thirty-tree species were found, with eight new records for the study area: Ipomoea chiquitensis, I. cynanchifolia, I. goyazensis, I. grandifolia, I. magna, I. queirozii, I. ramosissima and I. syringifolia. An identification key, genus and species descriptions, illustrations and distribution maps are presented.