The family Euphorbiaceae Juss. in a fragment of Caatinga in Sergipe

Abstract

This study highlights the species of Euphorbiaceae Juss. found in a fragment of arboreal Caatinga, located in the city of Porto da Folha, State of Sergipe. The main objective of this work is to expand the knowledge of the flora in the semiarid region of Sergipe and as well as facilitate future studies on the species of Euphorbiaceae with economic potential. Samples were collected monthly from October/2010 to September/2011, both the interior and on the trails and forest edges. The specimens collected were properly pressed and herbalized to perform identification and deposit in the herbarium of the Federal University of Sergipe (ASE). The identifications were carried with the aid of taxonomic keys, specialized literature and comparisons with samples of materials already deposited in ASE. The species were grouped into botanical families according to the Angiosperm Phylogeny Group III. The occurrence of 20 species in 12 genera. The vegetative habits in literature related to Euphorbiaceae were observed in the study area. Was evidenced wide geographical distribution, for some areas in the semiarid inserted Sergipe, species:
Cnidoscolus urens Pohl, Croton heliotropiifolius Kunth, Croton blanchetianus Baill., Jatropha molissima (Pohl) Baill., Manihot dichotoma Ule and Sapium glandulosum (L.) Morong. The family Euphorbiaceae showed significant species diversity and wide range of habits that gives this group the ability to adapt and greater efficiency against water deficit associated with semiarid regions.