Passiflora L. (Passifloraceae) new occurrences and distribution in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

Abstract

The Passiflora L. genus is the most diversified of the Passifloraceae family, with at least 525 species. Up to now 140 species were identified in Brazil, of which 17 were previously reported as occurring in Rio Grande do Sul state (RS). With the objective of sampling these species several regions of the State were investigated through field work, species identification being performed by morphological analyses. Samples from 18 putative species were obtained in several regions of RS, and P. urnaefolia Rusby and P. urubiciensis Cervi were recorded for the first time in the State, while P. tricuspis Mast., described as occurring in the region, was not found. The results indicated that new collections should be made to found other species of Passiflora in RS.