The genus Senna (Leguminosae-Caesalpinioideae) in the municipality of Caetité, Bahia, Brazil

Abstract A taxonomic study of the genus Senna in the municipality of Caetité, Bahia is presented as a part of the Project Flora of Caetité. This municipality presents a diverse landscape in terms vegetational aspects, with areas of Caatinga, Rupestrian field, Cerrado, and Gallery vegetation, influenced by soil types, and the elevation and inclination of the land. Specimens were collected were collected in the period from February 2015 to June 2016 during random walks through the area. In addition to the plants collected in the field, specimens from the HUEFS and HUNEB/Collection Caetité herbaria were also analyzed. A total of 14 taxa (13 species) were recognized, of which Senna cana var. hypoleuca, S. occidentalis, S. rizzinii, S. spectabilis var. excelsa, and S. uniflora are new records in the study area. Among the taxa found, three are endemic to the Brazilian northeast: S. acuruensis, S. aversiflora, and S. rizzinii. This work comprises identification key, descriptions, illustrations, taxonomic comments, geographical distribution and phenology of all taxa.