Flora of Serra do Padre Ângelo (Conselheiro Pena, MG): Eriocaulaceae

The Serra do Padre Ângelo (SPA), a quartzitic mountain complex in the Atlantic Forest of Rio Doce Valley, state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, harbors exceptional biodiversity. Recent studies have uncovered numerous new species, particularly in the campos rupestres, a unique ecosystem. Despite its ecological importance, the SPA remains legally unprotected. This study initiates a series of taxonomic studies on SPA's plant families, focusing on Eriocaulaceae, a key group in the campos rupestres. Field expeditions, herbarium studies, and SEM seed imaging revealed eight Eriocaulaceae species belonging to four genera: Giuliettia, Gnomus, Paepalanthus, and Syngonanthus. Two species are endemic to SPA and its vicinity, while three are classified as Critically Endangered. The study highlights significant biogeographic, taxonomic, and conservation insights, including the rediscovery of one species. These findings emphasize SPA's critical role in biodiversity conservation amid mounting anthropogenic threats that risk species extinction.