Flora of Ceará: Dalbergia (Leguminosae)

Abstract This study aimed to conduct a floristic and taxonomic inventory of Dalbergia species occurring in the state of Ceará to enhance our understanding of their diversity, morphological and taxonomic aspects as well as geographical distribution. This research is part of the project “Ceará Flora Project: Knowing to Conserve” and was based on the analysis of morphological features of herbarium specimens, as well as a review of specialized literature. In Ceará, Dalbergia is represented by six species: Dalbergia cearensis, D. decipularis, D. ecastaphyllum, D. frutescens, D. miscolobium, and D. nigra. These species were recorded across various phytophysiognomies but occur preferentially in drier environments, such as the savanna, steppic savanna, and seasonal semideciduous forest, as well as in coastal dune vegetation. Dalbergia cearensis is endemic to Brazil and widespread throughout the state. All Dalbergia species were also collected in conservation units. However, D. nigra, classified as vulnerable (VU) under the IUCN criteria, was recorded specifically in the Chapada da Ibiapaba conservation unit. Similarly, Dalbergia decipularis was collected exclusively in this region, highlighting the importance of these areas for species conservation. This survey presents an identification key, morphological descriptions, comments on geographical distribution, ecology, and phenology, as well as maps and illustrations of the species.