Denise Dias da Cruz

The effect of temperature on the germination of Melocactus violaceus Pfeiff. (Cactaceae), a threatened species in restinga sandy coastal plain of Brazil

Melocactus violaceus is an endangered species due to habitat destruction and the overcollection of this species for ornamental use. The aim of this study was to test the effect of different temperatures on the germination of M. violaceus. Three treatments were conducted: a constant temperature of 25ºC, a 20-35ºC alternating temperature, both inside germination chamber, and an alternating temperature under room temperature (mean temperature ranged from 25-37ºC). The final seed germination rates at the alternating temperature treatments were not significantly different (65% in the seed germinator and 62.5% at room condition). However, both treatments with alternating temperatures had significantly higher germination rates compared to the treatment kept at the constant temperature (8%). Our study showed that alternating temperatures between 20 and 37ºC provides satisfactory conditions to induce a high percentage of seed germination of M. violaceus, without the passage of seeds through the digestive tract of its natural disperser, the lizard Tropidurus torquatus. This condition contributes to efficiently producing seedlings that can be reintroduced into conservation areas or used as ornamentals that may help reduce the overcollection of the remaining native populations.

Interaction and distribution of beetles (Insecta: Coleoptera) associated with Heliconia bihai (Heliconiaceae) inflorescences

Abstract The insect fauna associated with the genus Heliconia (Heliconiaceae) is quite diversified and includes terrestrial and aquatic species. In plants with an upright inflorescence, the bracts may form phytotelmata. Insects are one of the main taxa that have adapted to phytotelmata environments, including species of Diptera, Coleoptera, Hemiptera, Dermaptera, Plecoptera, Trichoptera, and Odonata, among other orders. The Coleoptera fauna associated with phytotelmata is poorly studied, and the objective of this study was therefore to determine the distribution of beetles in Heliconia bihai (L.) (Zingiberales: Heliconiaceae) bracts in cultivated and uncultivated areas in northeastern Brazil. In addition, we describe their functional relationships. With respect to the coleopteran assemblage, 6 families were found in both areas and 3 were found only in the uncultivated Heliconia. The most abundant and frequently occurring family in both areas was Hydrophilidae, represented by a single species, Pelosoma lafertei (Mulsant) (Coleoptera: Hydrophilidae). Staphylinidae were the second most abundant and the second most frequently occurring family. The detritivores were most abundant (6 species), followed by herbivores (3 species), and predators (2 species). Abundance and richness were higher in the uncultivated area. Temperature and pH were the main factors affecting the coleopteran assemblages. A high acidity indicates an environment rich in organic matter, the main food source in phytotelmata environments.

MEDICINAL PLANTS IN RURAL SETTLEMENTS OF A PROTECTED AREA IN THE LITTORAL OF NORTHEAST BRAZIL

The goal of the present study was to conduct an ethnobotanical survey on the knowledge and the use of medicinal plants by five rural communities located within the Tambaba Environmental Protection Area, State of Paraiba. Data were collected by semi structured interviewing 58 key-informants aged 28 and 83 years. A total of 71 medicinal species, from 47 families, was identified and Leguminosae being the most cited. The leaves were the most used parts and the tea was the most common mode of use. Use Value index reveals the group of nine species mostly used by the communities. The Informant Consensus Factor indicated respiratory system disorders as the most commonly treated. The ANOSIM-one way permutation test revealed that the communities are very similar when compared in relation to the species and their therapeutic uses. These communities used medicinal plants as an efficient and immediate alternative to treat various everyday diseases. MEDICINAL PLANTS IN RURAL SETTLEMENTS OF A PROTECTED AREA IN THE LITTORAL OF NORTHEAST BRAZIL MICHELE FERNANDA MARQUES DE BRITO EDNA ARÉVALO MARÍN DENISE DIAS DA CRUZ Key-words: Ethnobotany, Atlantic forest, Conservation Unit, Traditional knowledge, Rural community. Resumen: El objetivo de este estúdio fue realizar um levantamiento botánico sobre el uso de las plantas medicinales, em cinco comunidades rurales del Área de Protección Ambienal Tambaba, en la costa sur, Estado de Paraíba. Los datos fueron colectados aplicando entrevistas semiestructurada a 58 informantes clave entre los 28 y los 83 años de edad. Su resgistraron 71 especies pertencientes a 47 familias siendo Leguminosae la más citada. La parte más usada fu elas hojas y el té, la forma de preparación más común. El índice de valor de uso evidenció 9 especies más utilizadas, de igual manera, el fatcor de consenso del informantes indicó las enfermidades del sistema respiratório como las más tratadas. La prueba ANOSIM de uma via, reveló semejanza entre las comunidades cuando se compararom las especies y sus usos terapêuticos. Las comunidades estudiadas usan las plantas medicinales como uma alternativa eficiente para el tratamento de enfermidades cotidianas. Palabras clave: Etnobotánica, Mata Atlántica, Unidades de Conservación, Comunidad rural, conocimientos tradicionales.