ABSTRACT The Atlantic Forest contains more bryophyte species and greater endemism than any other Brazilian phytogeographic domain. We analyzed the bryoflora of an Atlantic Forest remnant along the southern Brazilian coast to examine: (i) floristic composition, species richness, life forms and bryocenological groups in different phytophysiognomies (humid lowlands, sandy Restinga forests, and swampy Restinga forests); (ii) floristic similarities among them; and, (iii) the influence of substrate types on bryophyte species richness and floristic composition. Sandy Restinga forest had the greatest species richness. Approximately 75 % of the species and 42 % of the families were not shared among phytophysiognomies. The predominant life form was mat (46 %) and the predominant bryocenological group was corticolous (69 %). Elevated floristic differentiation was observed among the different phytophysiognomies (Jaccard values <0.35) and among the different substrates sampled (<0.2). The floristic uniqueness found among the different physiognomies in the present study demonstrates the importance of studying the diversity and conservation of all Atlantic Forest phytophysiognomies. The evaluation of bryophytes to delimit and manage protected areas can contribute to effective protection of the entire biodiversity spectrum. In addition to their important ecological roles, bryophytes are useful bio-indicators and valuable tools for monitoring, conserving, and restoring ecosystems.

RESUMO O Parque Estadual de Itapeva (PEVA) é uma Unidade de Conservação de proteção integral, localizada no litoral norte do Estado do Rio Grande do Sul, cujo objetivo principal é a preservação de ecossistemas naturais de grande relevância ecológica e beleza cênica como dunas, banhados, mata paludosa e mata de restinga, remanescentes da Floresta Atlântica. Objetivando conhecer as briófitas existentes no PEVA foi realizado levantamento florístico através de caminhadas livres, resultando na identificação de 101 espécies, 46 gêneros e 31 famílias. Dentre as fitofisionomias amostradas, a floresta arenosa de restinga sobre afloramento rochoso foi a mais expressiva, com 70 espécies identificadas. Catorze espécies são novas ocorrências para o Estado do Rio Grande do Sul e entre essas, sete são novos registros para a região sul do Brasil. Os resultados indicam que o PEVA é uma importante área de conservação que preserva a biodiversidade demonstrando a necessidade de mais estudos florísticos no Estado, especialmente no Litoral.

ABSTRACT The Parque Estadual de Itapeva (PEVA) is an integral protection Conservation Unit, located on the north coast of Rio Grande do Sul State, whose main objective is the conservation of natural ecosystems of great ecological relevance and scenic beauty such as dunes, wetlands, sandy and swamp Restinga forests, remnants of the Atlantic Forest. Aiming to know bryophytes existing in PEVA, were carried out floristic inventory using a free walking method, resulting in the identification of 101 species, 46 genera and 31 families. Among the phytophysiognomies sampled, the sandy Restinga forest on rocky outcrops was the most expressive, with 70 species identified. Fourteen species were identified as new occurrences in the state of Rio Grande do Sul State and among those, seven are also new records for Southern Brazil. The results indicate that PEVA is an important conservation area and demonstrates the need for more floristic studies in the state, especially in the coast.