Myrcia (Myrtaceae) in the state of Parana, Brazil

Myrtaceae is one of the largest families in number of species within the order Myrtales and one of the richest families in Brazil. Myrcia is the fourth largest genus of Myrtaceae, with approximately 770 species distributed from Central America and the Caribbean to southern South America. In Brazil Myrcia is represented by 397 species, of which 309 are endemic. In this study, we present the taxonomic treatment for all species of Myrcia that occur in Parana state, Brazil. Analyses of herbarium specimens, online databases, and bibliography were performed. Fifty-three species of Myrcia occur in Parana., distributed in all vegetation types. Twenty-three names were excluded from previous lists of species or listed as doubtful species. Neither of the recorded species is endemic to Parana, but this state is the southern and northern limit of distribution of six and two species, respectively. We present an identification key, taxonomic descriptions, figures, maps, and comments on phenology, habitat, and morphology for each species.

Automated summary

Myrtaceae is one of the largest families in terms of species within the order Myrtales, and is particularly diverse in Brazil. Myrcia, the fourth largest genus in Myrtaceae, has 770 species distributed across Central and South America. This study focuses on the taxonomic treatment of Myrcia species in Parana state, Brazil, identifying 53 species in total, none of which are endemic to the region. The state serves as both the southern and northern distribution limits for certain species.