Sinopse taxonômica das macrófitas aquáticas ocorrentes no IFMG - Campus Bambuí

Abstract

Aquatic macrophytes are plants characterized by their ability to inhabit partially or fully flooded environments such as swamps, rivers, lakes, and ponds. They play a key ecological role by supporting various forms of life, serving as food sources, aiding in nutrient cycling and oxygenation of the water, and acting as bioindicators of water quality. Although essential to ecosystems, they are often considered potential weeds due to their excessive proliferation in eutrophic environments. Understanding the biodiversity of this group is important both for its conservation and for appropriate management in areas affected by uncontrolled growth. Botanical taxonomy is essential for understanding plant diversity, as it enables the description, identification, nomenclature, and classification of species, allowing for proper analysis of the organisms studied. This study aimed to carry out a taxonomic survey of aquatic macrophytes in flooded areas of the IFMG Bambuí campus, along with the development of a dichotomous key for species identification. The taxonomic synopsis presented in this article offers a general overview of the species found. This knowledge contributes to future ecological studies, environmental education and conservation, management practices, and the restoration of degraded areas. The exsiccatae from the collections are available at the campus herbarium, further enriching its botanical collection.