Nematanthus wettsteinii (Fritish) H.E. Moore (Gesneriaceae): widening of the extension range of an endemic species from the Atlantic Rainforest to Santa Catarina State, Brazil

Abstract

The geographical distribution of Nematanthus wettsteinii, endemic to the Brazilian Atlantic Forest, was known only to the states of Paraná and São Paulo. In this paper, its area of occurrence is extended to the state of Santa Catarina, where specimens were collected in lowland forests near sea level. The taxon should be considered threatened with extinction in Santa Catarina, under category EN B1b(iii)c(ii) according to IUCN criteria, by virtue of its low occupancy area known to the state and of the ever-increasing habitat loss and fragmentation in the region.