Bryophytes of occurrences in Sao Joao do Soter, Maranhao, Brazil

Bryophytes are small plants, lignified conducting vessels absent, predominantly terrestrial, being the second largest group of terrestrial plants. This study as objective to study of bryophytes occurring in the municipality of Sao Joao do Soter, in Maranhao, elaborating the list of the species found, their types of substrates and their geographical distribution. The collects were carried out every two months, with duration of three to five days, between august 2010 and august 2011 in pre-existing tracks, in the native vegetation. The collection of the botanical material was done following the usual methodology for the group. Were found 28 species of bryophytes distributed in 18 genera and 12 families. For Anthocerotophyta was recorded only one family, and one species. Bryophyta is represented by eight families and Marchantiophyta with three families. Syrrhopodon cryptocarpus Dozy & Molk, Fissidens goyazensis Broth, e Entodontopsis nitens Mitt. W.R. Buck, are new occurrences for the state of Maranhao. The results amplify knowledge on geographic distribution of the collected species.