An illustrated checklist of Malpighiaceae from the Chapada dos Veadeiros region, Goiás, Brazil

An updated checklist of Malpighiaceae from the Chapada dos Veadeiros region, Goiás, Brazil, is presented. We recorded 78 species of this family of plants, which represent a higher diversity than previously reported for the region. About one third of all the Malpighiaceae species recorded for the Cerrado are found within the area, which shows the important role of the Chapada dos Veadeiros region in the conservation of this family in Central Brazil

Nymphoides grayana (Griseb.) Kuntze: first record of Menyanthaceae for the state of Tocantins

Nymphoides grayana (Menyanthaceae) is a macrophyte, and its occurrence is known in Brazil only for the states of Mato Grosso and Mato Grosso do Sul. In this paper, a new record of N. grayana is presented for the state of Tocantins, representing the first record of Menyanthaceae for the state and expanding the occurrence of the species for the North Region of Brazil

New records on endangered and endemic species of Stigmaphyllon A. Juss. (Malpighiaceae) in Brazil

New records on three endangered and endemic species of Stigmaphyllon are presented: S. angustilobum extend its distribution in the State of Espírito Santo, S. crenatum extend its distribution in the State of Minas Gerais and S. macedoanum occurs also in the State of Mato Grosso do Sul

Dragons, Monsters, Emotions, Cavemen and Kuhn’s Epistemology: Scientific Revolutions in Films

Background: There have been many discussions on the importance of teaching philosophy of science in schools, and the need of a teaching focused on the science process, seeking to remedy deformed views that distance children from scientific life. Kuhn is undoubtedly the science philosopher most debated in history and his work “The Structure of Scientific Revolutions” has significant potential to construct proper views of the scientist in primary education. Films are important pedagogic tools to transmit concepts and ideas in a rich and engaging way.  Objectives: The present work identified the presence of Kuhn ideas in four animated films and the competences of science procedures in their characters. Design: We selected the films “How to Train Your Dragon”, “The Croods”, “Inside Out” and “Monsters, Inc.”. Within those, we seek for paradigms, paradigm shifts, scientific revolutions, and the competences for scientific investigation on the characters. Setting and Participants: This is a theoretical analysis, and therefore does not have participants. The materials used were only bibliographic sources. Data collection and analysis: We used ten scientific competences and made a philosophical reflection of Kuhn's theory in the films. Results:  The analysis reveals the occurrence of normal science, recognized anomalies, extraordinary science and break of paradigms in all those films. In addition, we identified the competences of science procedures of the characters. Conclusions: The films make an artistic representation of situations where Kuhn concepts and the scientific competences can be taught in a clear and significant way

Deciphering the Heteropterys pannosa species complex (Malpighiaceae)

We describe three new species of Malpighiaceae that are endemic to central Brazil and related to the Heteropterys pannosa complex, a group of xylopodiferous, unbranched subshrubs with fruit in mericarps that have a strongly reduced or no dorsal wing. Heteropterys tocantinensis is more common in eastern Tocantins State and on the border with Bahia State, and there are a few records from Mato Grosso State. Heteropterys veadeirensis is restricted to northern Goiás State and H. walteri has a wider distribution, occurring in some municipalities in northern Goiás and southern Tocantins. Additionally, we also provide detailed redescriptions of H. pannosa and H. rosmarinifolia, the two previously known species in this complex. All species are considered Endangered (EN) based on IUCN criteria, especially due to the low area of occupancy. Illustrations, distribution maps, and information about phenology and habitat are also provided for all taxa

Nymphoides grayana (Griseb.) Kuntze: first record of Menyanthaceae for the state of Tocantins

Nymphoides grayana (Menyanthaceae) is a macrophyte, and its occurrence is known in Brazil only for the states of Mato Grosso and Mato Grosso do Sul. In this paper, a new record of N. grayana is presented for the state of Tocantins, representing the first record of Menyanthaceae for the state and expanding the occurrence of the species for the North Region of Brazil

Tetrapterys Cav. (Malpighiaceae) from Brazilian Midwest

We present a floristic survey of the genus Tetrapterys (Malpighiaceae) from the Brazilian Midwest, including morphological descriptions, keys, comments on taxonomy and phenology, illustrations, and distribution maps for all species. Nine species were found in the studied area: T. ambigua, T. crispa, T. discolor, T. hassleriana, T. jussieuana, T. microphylla, T. mucronata, T. racemulosa, and T. ramiflora. The distribution of species shows a collection gap mostly in northern States of Mato Grosso and southeastern Mato Grosso do Sul. Only T. ambigua and T. ramiflora were found in all federal units within the Brazilian Midwest, and three species were recorded for just one, T. hassleriana and T. racemulosa in Mato Grosso do Sul, and T. microphylla in Goiás, restricted to the Chapada dos Veadeiros

Growing knowledge: an overview of Seed Plant diversity in Brazil

Abstract An updated inventory of Brazilian seed plants is presented and offers important insights into the country's biodiversity. This work started in 2010, with the publication of the Plants and Fungi Catalogue, and has been updated since by more than 430 specialists working online. Brazil is home to 32,086 native Angiosperms and 23 native Gymnosperms, showing an increase of 3% in its species richness in relation to 2010. The Amazon Rainforest is the richest Brazilian biome for Gymnosperms, while the Atlantic Rainforest is the richest one for Angiosperms. There was a considerable increment in the number of species and endemism rates for biomes, except for the Amazon that showed a decrease of 2.5% of recorded endemics. However, well over half of Brazillian seed plant species (57.4%) is endemic to this territory. The proportion of life-forms varies among different biomes: trees are more expressive in the Amazon and Atlantic Rainforest biomes while herbs predominate in the Pampa, and lianas are more expressive in the Amazon, Atlantic Rainforest, and Pantanal. This compilation serves not only to quantify Brazilian biodiversity, but also to highlight areas where there information is lacking and to provide a framework for the challenge faced in conserving Brazil's unique and diverse flora