ABSTRACT The Chromolaena congesta complex (Asteraceae, Eupatorieae) presents a difficult challenge for biodiversity researchers due to the intertwined connections of its species and the difficulty of establishing morphological boundaries. In this study, we aimed to use morphometric analyses to evaluate the delimitation of the taxa belonging to the C. congesta complex, identify informative morphological traits and to understand the identity of several “atypical” specimens morphologically related to the complex. To achieve this, we used cluster and principal component analysis to evaluate 50 morphological traits from a total of 210 specimens throughout the geographic distribution of the species complex. We found support for the recognition of at least six species - Chromolaena ascendens, C. gentianoides, C. hirsuta, C. latisquamulosa, C. rhinanthacea and C. squarrulosa - according to a phenetic species concept and to corroborate the restoration of three species from synonymy. Furthermore, our results provide a morphological recircumscription of C. congesta and C. elliptica and indicate two taxonomic novelties, including a new combination and a new species. Despite the answers provided by morphology, many taxonomic issues remain to be solved, and further studies with other types of evidence should be carried to contribute towards a more stable classification.

Resumo Moquiniastrum, originalmente descrito por Cabrera como uma seção de Gochnatia, após análises moleculares e morfológicas mais detalhadas foi elevado à categoria de gênero. Moquiniastrum diferencia-se de Gochnatia pela presença de ginodioicia, indumento de tricomas com 2-5-raios e capitulescências paniculiformes. Atualmente é constituído por 21 espécies, distribuídas principalmente no Brasil. Pouco se conhece sobre a taxonomia do gênero Moquiniastrum e ainda há escassez de estudos sobre o arranjo sexual das flores no capítulo, necessitando de análises aprofundadas destas estruturas. O objetivo geral deste trabalho foi realizar um estudo taxonômico de Moquiniastrum na Região Sul do Brasil, além de avaliar e enquadrar os táxons em categorias de ameaça de extinção. Este estudo foi realizado através de revisões de herbários e expedições de campo nos três estados da Região Sul do Brasil. Foram encontradas 10 espécies de Moquiniastrum, além de três subespécies de M. polymorphum. São fornecidos chave de identificação para os táxons confirmados, descrições morfológicas, comentários sobre habitats, conservação e períodos de floração e de frutificação das espécies, além de observações taxonômicas e imagens.

Abstract Moquiniatrum, originally described by Cabrera as a section of Gochnatia, was raised to the category of genus after detailed molecular and morphological analysis. Moquiniastrum differs from Gochnatia by the presence of gynodioecy, indumentum of 2-5-armed hairs and the paniculate capitulescences. Moquiniastrum consists of about 21 species and occurs mainly in Brazil. Studies on the taxonomy and morphology of the genus are sparse, especially regarding the sexual disposition of capitula, thus requiring more studies. The aim of this paper was to produce a taxonomic study of Moquiniastrum in Southern Brazil, as well as to classify the species in categories of threat. This study was conducted through review of herbarium specimens and field expeditions to the Southern Brazilian states. We found 10 species of Moquiniastrum, besides three subspecies of M. polymorphum. We provide an identification key, morphological descriptions, comments on habitats, conservation and flowering and fruiting periods of the species, as well as taxonomic observations and images.

ABSTRACT Among the medicinal purposes for which plants have been used is the treatment of “nerves". The objective of this study was to search for species of plants used in the state of Rio Grande do Sul (South Brazil) for the relief of symptoms related to central nervous system (CNS) disorders. Twenty-seven ethnobotanical studies were compiled, in which a total of 94 species were cited. The five most cited species were Cymbopogon citratus (81.5 %), Melissa officinalis (77.7 %), Aloysia citriodora (66.6 %), Matricaria chamomilla (62.9 %) and Passiflora edulis (51.8 %). Scientific studies have corroborated the popular use of these plants as sedatives, but most studies are preclinical and very few have been clinical (M. chamomilla and M. officinalis), and these were mainly exploratory or were performed against placebo. In addition to efficacy data, there are also indications of toxicity for M. chamomilla and P. edulis. In conclusion, there is a great diversity of plant species used in the treatment of symptoms related to CNS disorders, and they are most frequently used as a sedative. Data indicate that M. officinalis possesses clinical efficacy in the treatment of symptoms associated with anxiety without signs of toxicity.

ABSTRACT This study aimed to evaluate knowledge about and the usage and importance of aquatic vascular plants (AVPs) in the production of handicrafts by communities on the north coast of the state of Rio Grande do Sul in southern Brazil. The snowball technique was employed to locate people who use and have knowledge regarding the use of AVPs for handicrafts. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and guided tours with 35 interviewees who were involved in artisanal activity at the time of the study. The data were analyzed using the importance value (IV) index and the consensus value for the forms of use (CMU). The Spearman correlation test (rs) was employed to determine the correlations of each social variable with the knowledge variables, and Mann-Whitney U tests to verify whether men and women exhibited differences in knowledge. The interviewees cited 16 AVPs that were employed in 17 types of handicrafts, among which the four main species were Schoenoplectus californicus, Typha domingensis, T. latifolia and Androtrichum giganteum. Interviewee age, residence time on site and time working with handicrafts were the main social parameters that described the level of knowledge and use of AVPs. These AVPs reflect cultural knowledge and complement family incomes.

Resumo Os ecossistemas Mata Atlântica e Caatinga apesar de diferirem em termos de biodiversidade e condições geoclimáticas se assemelham pela heterogeneidade de formações vegetais que compõem as suas floras e por serem detentores de uma rica sociodiversidade. O objetivo desta pesquisa foi de mapear as pesquisas etnobotânicas realizadas nos ecossistemas Mata Atlântica e Caatinga, chamando-se atenção para as comunidades mais investigadas, as regiões mais estudadas, assim como as formações vegetais em que se concentram maior número de pesquisas. Foi efetuada uma revisão bibliográfica sobre os artigos de cunho etnobotânico realizados em áreas pertencentes ao território original dos ecossistemas Caatinga e Mata Atlântica e que abordaram o uso ou o conhecimento de recursos vegetais medicinais e alimentícios por populações locais. As regiões com as maiores concentrações de estudos (região Sudeste e Sul na Mata Atlântica e os estados de Pernambuco e Paraíba na Caatinga), refletem a presença dos grupos de pesquisas localizados nessas regiões. As pesquisas etnobotânicas estão cumprindo o seu papel ao investigar e abranger todo o território ocupado pela Mata Atlântica e Caatinga, no entanto, diante do mapeamento realizado, percebe-se determinadas regiões em ambos os ecossistemas que ainda necessitam de um maior esforço de pesquisas.

Abstract The Atlantic Forest and Caatinga ecosystems differ in terms of biodiversity and geoclimatic conditions but are similar in their rich socio-diversity and heterogeneity of vegetation types that comprise their floras. The objectives of this work were to map the ethnobotanical studies that have been conducted in these ecosystems and record the most investigated communities, regions, and vegetation formations related to this research. A literature review was made of ethnobotanical articles related to the use and knowledge of medicinal and food plants employed by local populations within the original territories of the Caatinga and Atlantic Forest. The areas with the highest concentrations of studies (Southeast and South regions in the Atlantic Forest and the states of Pernambuco and Paraíba in the Caatinga) reflect the presence of research groups in these regions. Until now, it was thought that ethnobotanical studies had been conducted throughout the Atlantic Forest and Caatinga; however, the results of this work show that both ecosystems contain areas that still need to be studied.

This study aimed to define the current status of ethnobotanical research in Brazil based on published scientific articles and to detect current knowledge gaps in Brazil's ethnobotany. A database, including articles published in national and international scientific journals from 1988 to 2013, was gathered for this purpose. This report discusses the growing number of publications in ethnobotanical research and the main techniques used in the discipline. To identify current knowledge gaps, his report emphasizes the main focus of the different studies, target regions, and communities targeted or involved in the original study. Most publications focused on the northeast and southeast Brazil, and the most frequently studied biomes were the Caatinga and Atlantic forest. Further, the most frequently studied communities were located in rural areas, although the number of studies focused in urban areas has been steadily increasing. A lack of human resources in ethnobotanical research and a lack of current studies in the Amazon, Cerrado, Pampa, and Pantanal regions were the main identified gaps. These data provide a basis for future studies and investments aimed at strengthening ethnobotanical research in Brazil.

O gênero Chaptalia compreende cerca de 70 espécies, distribuídas desde o norte dos Estados Unidos até o centro da Argentina, sendo que no Brasil ocorrem 17 espécies. Dentre os caracteres diagnósticos do gênero podem ser citados as flores trimórficas, o hábito herbáceo e a ausência de estaminódios nas flores. O trabalho teve como objetivo o levantamento das espécies de Chaptalia no estado do Rio Grande do Sul. Foi possível confirmar a ocorrência de 10 espécies: C. arechavaletae, C. cordifolia, C. exscapa, C. graminifolia, C. ignota, C. integerrima, C. mandonii, C. nutans, C. piloselloides e C. runcinata. Chaptalia sinuata é colocada em sinonímia de C. integerrima. O trabalho apresenta descrições das espécies, chaves de identificação, ilustrações, dados sobre conservação e informações gerais.

The genus Chaptalia is represented by ca. 70 species, from northern United States to the center of Argentina; in Brazil there are 17 species. Among the recognizable features of the genus are trimorphic florets, herbaceous habit and florets without staminodes. The present work aimed to survey the native species of Chaptalia in the state of Rio Grande do Sul. The occurrence of 10 species in the State is confirmed: C. arechavaletae, C. cordifolia, C. exscapa, C. graminifolia, C. ignota, C. integerrima, C. mandonii, C. nutans, C. piloselloides e C. runcinata. Chaptalia sinuata is placed by first time as a synonym of C. integerrima. The study presents species descriptions, an identification key, illustrations, conservation data and general information.

Este trabalho visa identificar as espécies comercializadas como quebra-pedras em Porto Alegre, verificar indícios de toxicidade e estabelecer padrões morfológicos para diferenciação das mesmas. São espécies utilizadas na medicina popular principalmente para afecções nos rins e bexiga bem como diuréticas. As 16 amostras foram adquiridas de 14 comerciantes atuantes em bancas fixas ou em feiras-livres. Realizou-se uma revisão bibliográfica para levantamento de dados referentes à utilização de plantas medicinais com o nome de quebra-pedras em diferentes cidades do Rio Grande do Sul. Indícios de toxicidade, dados químicos e biológicos destas plantas foram revisados em diferentes bases de dados e em bibliografia específica. Identificaram-se sete espécies comercializadas como quebra-pedras em Porto Alegre: Euphorbia prostrata e E. serpens (Euphorbiaceae), Phyllanthus niruri e P. tenellus (Phyllanthaceae), Desmodium incanum (Fabaceae), Cunila microcephala (Lamiaceae) e Heimia salicifolia (Lythraceae). Destas, as espécies de Phyllanthus e Euphorbia são as que apresentam maior semelhança morfológica quando comercializadas secas e fragmentadas.

The aims of this work were to identify the species sold as "quebra-pedras" in Porto Alegre, verify signs of toxicity and establish morphological patterns that help to distinguish such species. Those species are believed to be diuretic and are used in popular medicine mainly to treat kidney and bladder affections. The samples (16) were purchased from 14 sellers who work in permanent market stalls or in public marketplaces. A bibliographic revision gathered data on the use of medicinal plants called "quebra-pedras" in several cities of Rio Grande do Sul. Signs of toxicity, chemical and biological data of these plants were reviewed from different databases and specific bibliography. Seven species were identified among those sold as "quebra-pedras" in Porto Alegre: Euphorbia prostrata and E. serpens (Euphorbiaceae), Phyllanthus niruri and P. tenellus (Phyllanthaceae), Desmodium incanum (Fabaceae), Cunila microcephala (Lamiaceae) and Heimia salicifolia (Lythraceae). The greater morphological similarity when dried and fragmented plants are sold together was verified between Phyllanthus and Euphorbia.

A micromorfologia da superfície dos frutos de 15 táxons de Mikania Willd. em microscopia eletrônica de varredura (MEV) é apresentada neste trabalho. Buscaram-se caracteres que auxiliassem a separação de espécies próximas, ocorrentes no Estado do Rio Grande do Sul. Para algumas delas, estes caracteres mostraram valor taxonômico. As espécies estudadas foram divididas em quatro grupos, de acordo com o padrão encontrado. O padrão que apresentou paredes periclinais estriadas e paredes anticlinais com projeções verrucosas foi o mais constante nas espécies de Mikania Willd. analisadas.

This work presents the surface micromorphology of fruits of 15 taxa of Mikania Willd. studied under scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The aim was to find characters to separate close species that occur in Rio Grande do Sul State. Such characters had taxonomic value for some of them. The species were separated into four groups according to the pattern. The pattern with striated periclinal and anticlinal walls with verrucose projections was the most constant in the species of Mikania Willd. analyzed.

A distribuição geográfica das 39 espécies nativas de Mikania Willd. no Rio Grande do Sul foi estudada em duas escalas: uma escala regional, utilizando regiões fisiográficas como unidades, e uma escala continental, considerando regiões político-geográficas como unidades. A riqueza específica e a amplitude de distribuiçãoforam obtidas diretamente de matrizes de presença e ausência, relacionando espécies e regiões. A matriz regional foi analisada por dois métodos multivariados, uma análise de agrupamentos e uma análise de coordenadas principais, utilizando o complemento do coeficiente de Jaccard como elemento de comparação (dissimilaridade). Na escala regional as regiões mais ricas foram o Litoral e a Depressão Central, enquanto na escala continental, a maioria das espécies sul-rio-grandenses foram também encontradas no Sudeste do Brasil e no Sul da América do Sul. A análise multivariada evidenciou dois grupos principais no Estado, um oriental e outro ocidental. Em cada um desses grupos foram evidenciados dois subgrupos relacionados a características climáticas e geológicas do Estado.Os padrões de distribuição de Mikania confirmam o caráter tropical do gênero e as principais rotas de migração descritas para a flora do Sul do Brasil.

The geographical distribution of the 39 species of Mikania Willd. native in Rio Grande do Sul was studied at two scales: a state-regional scale, using physiographic regions as units, and an american-continental scale, considering politic-geographic regions as units. Specific richness and distribution amplitude were obtained directly from presence and absence matrixes, relating species and regions. The state-regional matrix was also analysed by two multivariate methods, a cluster analysis and a principal coordinate analysis, using the complement of the Jaccard coefficient as a measure of dissimilarity. At the state-regional scale, the richest regions were the Coastal Plain and the Central Depression, whereas at the american-continental scale, most of the South Riograndean species were also found in Southeastern Brazil and Southern South America. The multivariate analysis evidenced two main groups in Rio Grande do Sul, one eastern and another western. Within each of these groups, two subgroups related to climatic and geological features were evidenced. The distribution patterns of Mikania confirm the tropical character of the genus, and the main migration routes described for the southern Brazilian vascular flora.