LEGUMINOSAS E SEU POTENCIAL DE USO EM COMUNIDADES RURAIS DE SÃO MIGUEL DO GOSTOSO - RN

This study was aimed to carried out a floristic survey in four communities that are localized in the São Miguel do Gostoso municipality - RN, focusing on the Leguminosae species and its potential use. Field research was carried out between May and October/2007, for acquire information about the use of plants and samples of them in the local communities. The study registered 102 species pertaining 73 genera and 30 families. Leguminosae/Fabaceae (25), Asteraceae (10) and Euphorbiaceae (8) were the most representative families in number of species and the genus Mimosa L. and Senna Mill., with five species each. Most species of Leguminosae (68%) have economic value and are recognized seven categories of use: medicinal (8), technology (7) fuel (8), construction (6), fodder (14), veterinary (2) and other (9). Although many species have different types of utilities, Poincianella pyramidalis (Tul.) L.P.Queiroz stood out from others by being quoted in all use categories considered