A synopsis of Convolvulaceae from the Upper Turi-Gurupi region in the Amazon of Maranhao, Brazil

A synopsis of Convolvulaceae species from the Upper Turi-Gurupi region, a strategic area for the conservation of Amazonian biodiversity in the Maranhao, is presented. Field samples and herbarium collections were analyzed to build a checklist, indicating the most representative taxa and providing data on growth habit, geographic distribution, occurrence in Brazilian phytogeographic domains, and distribution in the Upper Turi-Gurupi region. Twenty-one species and nine genera (Aniseia Choisy, Bonamia Thouars, Camonea Raf. , Distimake Raf., Evolvulus L., Ipomoea L., Maripa Aubl., Odonellia K.R. Robertson, Operculina Silva Manso) were recorded. Ipomoea was the richest genus (10 species), and I. asarifolia was the most collected species. Maripa scandens is a new record for Maranhao and, in relation to the last taxonomic work of Convolvulaceae in the Amazon, which covered Maranhao, 10 species are new records for the state. A heterogeneous distribution of the species and sampling gaps were observed in the region, pointing to the need for further surveys. This study contributes to the knowledge of Convolvulaceae in the Amazon and stimulates the conservation of the Amazonian flora in Maranhao, since the study area is under risk of biodiversity loss due to environmental degradation and is one of the most threatened in the Amazon.