Peperomia (Piperaceae) in the Parque Estadual de Vila Velha, Paraná.

Abstract Peperomia is a pantropical genus and is represented in Brazil by 171 species that occur in the phytogeographical domains of the Amazon, Caatinga, Cerrado and Atlantic Forest. A taxonomic study for the genus in the Parque Estadual de Vila Velha was carried out through field trips, visits to herbaria and specialized literature. A total of 16 species were confirmed in the study area. The species Peperomia crinicaulis, P. hilariana, P. subrubrispica and P. velloziana are endemic to Brazil. Six species presented are new occurrences for this Conservation Unit. This study presents key identification, descriptions, comments and illustrations of the species of Peperomia occurring in the study area.