Taxonomic Synopsis of Capparaceae in Maranhão, Northeastern Brazil

This study comprises a taxonomic synopsis of Capparaceae for the state of Maranhão, Northeastern Brazil. Botanical material was obtained through field collections conducted in 15 municipalities and two conservation units, as well as through the analysis of herbarium specimens from the HDELTA, HABIT, MAR, and SLUI herbaria, in addition to data surveys carried out on digital platforms such as Reflora, SpeciesLink, and GBIF. Species identifications, morphological descriptions, and a dichotomous identification key were produced. Six species belonging to four genera were recorded in Maranhão, with emphasis on Cynophalla hastata, reported here as a new occurrence for the state and as the first record for the Amazon and Cerrado domains of Brazil. The delimitation of genera and species was based on vegetative and reproductive morphological characters. Capparidastrum solum and Cynophalla amazonica are included for the first time in a taxonomic synopsis in Brazil, and the identification key will contribute to species identification and to future taxonomic and floristic studies.