Flora of Meliaceae in the Upper Paraná Atlantic Forest

Meliaceae is an important structural and ecological component that provides multiple ecosystem services, yet it is poorly studied in the Atlantic Forest. This study aims to contribute to the floristic knowledge of Meliaceae in the Iguaçu National Park (Brazil) and the Iguazú National Park (Argentina). A total of five genera and ten species were found, of which eight native species and one exotic species occur in both protected areas, while Trichilia pallens was found only in the Iguaçu National Park. Seven of the native species are widespread in the Neotropics and occur in different vegetation types, including Seasonal Semi-deciduous Forest and the Mixed Ombrophilous Forest: Cabralea canjerana, Cedrela fissilis, Guarea kunthiana, G. macrophylla, T. catigua, T. claussenii and T. elegans. T. pallida occurs only in Seasonal Semi-deciduous Forest, and T. pallens in Mixed Ombrophilous Forest within the protected areas. Both parks represent the most important conservation areas for the Atlantic Forest, which is why local biodiversity surveys are of the utmost importance. An identification key, scientific illustrations or photographs with diagnostic characters, taxonomic comments, geographical distribution, phenology, common names and observations are presented.

Key words:
Iguaçu National Park; Iguazú National Park; Mixed Ombrophilous Forest; Semideciduous Seasonal Forest; Trichilia