Contribuição ao conhecimento da flora nativa de Zé Doca-MA: um levantamento florístico-taxonômico da família Malvaceae

Abstract

The Malvaceae family is widely distributed throughout tropical and subtropical regions, standing out for its ecological, economic, and taxonomic relevance. In the state of Maranhão, especially in ecological transition areas such as the municipality of Zé Doca, significant gaps in floristic knowledge still exist, reinforcing the need for systematic studies focused on the identification and cataloging of the local flora. In this context, the present study aimed to contribute to the knowledge of the flora of Zé Doca, Maranhão, through a floristic-taxonomic survey of the Malvaceae family. Collections were carried out in different environments, including native vegetation areas, transition zones, urban spaces, and peri-urban areas, encompassing a diversity of ecological conditions. Botanical material was collected, and taxonomic identification was performed based on specialized literature and updated botanical databases. As a result, 10 species belonging to different genera of the Malvaceae family were recorded, exhibiting varied growth habits, including herbs, shrubs, subshrubs, and trees. Most species showed wide geographic distribution throughout Brazilian territory and lack of endemism, indicating a strong influence of anthropogenic processes, such as cultivation and dispersal associated with human activities. In addition, an identification key for the recorded species was developed, contributing to regional taxonomic recognition. The results demonstrate that the local floristic composition reflects both the presence of typical tropical environment elements and the influence of anthropization, characterizing a scenario of high ecological plasticity. Thus, this study contributes to filling gaps in the knowledge of Maranhão flora, providing support for future research in botany, conservation, and environmental education.