Checklist de plantas aquáticas associadas a corpos d'água no município de Lago da Pedra-MA

Abstract

Aquatic plants, also known as macrophytes, are species partially or fully adapted to aquatic ecosystems. Although they perform essential ecological functions for the balance of these environments, there is still a scarcity of studies on these species in the North and Northeast regions of Brazil, especially in the municipality of Lago da Pedra, Maranhão. Therefore, this study aimed to develop a checklist of aquatic plant species in the municipality due to the significant presence of various water bodies, both temporary and perennial, in the region. Collections were carried out between March and June 2025, covering different seasonal regimes at two distinct sites: two lagoons located in the communities of Escolado and Cutia, within the municipality of Lago da Pedra. Taxonomic identification was based on morphological analyses and specialized literature. A total of 43 species were recorded, distributed across 34 genera and 20 families, with a predominance of amphibious life forms. The families Fabaceae, Poaceae, and Onagraceae were the most representative, and the genus Ludwigia stood out in terms of species richness. The comparison between collection sites revealed both exclusive and shared species, reflecting the local environmental heterogeneity. The floristic study confirmed the ecological importance of ecotones, which serve as biodiversity refuges. It is concluded that this study contributed to filling gaps in regional floristic knowledge and provides relevant support for conservation and management strategies of Maranhão's aquatic ecosystems.