Synopsis of Passiflora L. (Passifloraceae) from Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

Abstract

Passiflora is the largest genus of Passifloraceae, with circa 520 species of pantropical distribution; the majority are vines, but there are also shrubs and trees. The survey of Passiflora presented here revealed the presence of 16 species in Rio Grande do Sul State, 15 of them occurring naturally (Passiflora actinia Hook., P. amethystina J. C. Mikan, P. caerulea L., P. capsularis L., P. edulis Sims, P. eichleriana Mast., P. elegans Mast., P. foetida L. var. nigelliflora (Hook.) Mast., P. misera Kunth, P. morifolia Mast., P. organensis Gardner, P. suberosa L. ssp. litoralis (Kunth) Porter-Utley, P. tenuifila Killip, P. urnifolia Rusby and P. urubiciensis Cervi) ) and one subspontaneous (P. alata Curtis). In addition to an identification key, we present morphological descriptions and data on geographical distribution, habitat and phenology for each taxon. Illustrations (habitus, flowers, leaves and fruits) and micrographs based upon optical (extra-floral nectaries) and scanning electron microscopy (seeds) are also provided.