Cactaceae from Itacolomi State Park, Minas Gerais, Brazil

Abstract

Abstract Cactaceae is a predominantly Neotropical plant family comprising approximately 1,450 species, of which 31% are currently threatened. In Brazil, 301 species across 35 genera are recorded, with 108 species documented in the state of Minas Gerais. This study aimed to produce a monographic treatment of the Cactaceae occurring in Itacolomi State Park (ISP), a protected conservation unit within the Atlantic Forest phytogeographic domain, located in the Iron Quadrangle region of southeastern Brazil. A preliminary floristic survey of the park had recorded only two species of the family; however, herbarium data (BHCB, OUPR, RB, VIC) and recent field collections pointed to the need for an updated and comprehensive inventory. A total of six genera and 11 species were identified: Rhipsalis (four spp.), Lepismium (two spp.), Pereskia (two spp.), and one species each of Brasiliopuntia, Epiphyllum, and Hatiora. Rhipsalis floccosa subsp. pulvinigera (epiphytic), and Hatiora salicornioides (rupicolous) were widely distributed across Campos Rupestres and seasonal forests, whereas Brasiliopuntia brasiliensis showed a more restricted distribution. Most species have small, localized populations; however, Rhipsalis crispata is currently considered threatened with extinction. This study provides an identification key, morphological descriptions, photographs, ecological data, and conservation assessments, contributing to the knowledge of the family within Itacolomi State Park.