Diversity and conservation status of bromeliads from Serra da Piedade, Minas Gerais, Brazil

The Espinhaço Mountain Range in Minas Gerais state in southeastern Brazil is a center of endemism of the Bromeliaceae, mainly in campo rupestre montane vegetation that grows under rigorous edapho-climatic conditions. This study sought to improve our knowledge of the Bromeliaceae from Serra da Piedade in the extreme southern portion of the Espinhaço Mountain Range where ironstone outcrops predominate. Conservation status and spatial distribution of these plants were analyzed as well as floristic similarities with other regions with rocky outcrops. Twenty-five bromeliad species were found in Serra da Piedade, with the subfamily Tillandsioideae being the best represented. Twenty-seven percent of the species were exclusive to campo rupestre environments, while 73% occurred both on outcrops and in forest habitats. The bromeliads in the study area merit special attention as two species are considered vulnerable (Racinaea aerisincola and Vriesea minarum), five are endangered, and three are critically endangered. Low Jaccard index values indicated dissimilarities between the bromeliad floras in different localities of quartzite and ironstone outcrops within the Espinhaço Mountain Range. Serra da Piedade has a distinct bromeliad flora that is threatened by mining activities and illegal harvesting and requires immediate measures to help guarantee conservation