Floristic composition and community structure of epiphytic angiosperms in a terra firme forest in central Amazonia

This survey aimed to describe the floristic composition and structure of the epiphytic community occurring in a terra firme forest in the city of Coari, Brazil, in the Amazon region. Data collection was performed with a 1.5 ha plot method, with which upland, slope and lowland habitats were sampled. All angiosperm epiphytes and their host plants (diameter at breast height > 10 cm) were sampled. We recorded 3.528 individuals in 13 families, 48 genera and 164 species. Araceae was the most prevalent family with regard to the importance value and stood out in all related parameters, followed by Bromeliaceae, Cyclanthaceae and Orchidaceae. The species with the highest epiphytic importance values were Guzmania lingulata (L.) Mez. and Philodendron linnaei Kunth. The predominant life form was hemiepiphytic. Estimated floristic diversity was 3.2 (H'). The studied epiphytic community was distributed among 727 host plants belonging to 40 families, 123 genera and 324 species. One individual of Guarea convergens T.D. Penn. was the host with the highest richness and abundance of epiphytes. Stems/trunks of host plants were the most colonized segments, and the most favorable habitat for epiphytism was the lowlands, where 84.1% of species and 48.2% of epiphytic specimens were observed

<i>Philodendron williamsii</i> Hook. f. (Araceae), an endemic and vulnerable species of southern Bahia, Brazil used for local population

An updated description and information on ecology, geographical distribution, ethnobiology, uses and conservation of Philodendron williamsii are presented here. The species has a restricted geographical distribution and the roots of its natural populations are widely extracted to be used for local handicraft. During the fertile period of the plant, areas where the species grow were prospected in order to collect, observe, photograph and consult people who directly use parts of the plants. Additional specimens from five herbaria were analyzed. We propose the inclusion of the species as Vulnerable based on the categories and the criteria proposed by the IUCN. Environmental education for the local extractors and the regularization of its extractive activity are suggested here