Myristicaceae do Cerrado

The Myristicaceae family contains approximately 20 genera and 500 species. In Brazil, there are six genera and 65 species, most of which are concentrated in the Amazon region. Thegenus Virola stands out, with 35 species in the country, nine of which are endemic. Even though it is highly represented in the Amazon, five species of this genus occur in the Cerrado: Virola malmei, Virola sebifera, Virola sessilis, Virola subsessilis and Virola urbaniana. Virola sebifera is the only representative of the family in the Cerrado of Minas Gerais and occurs in regenerating and little anthropized areas. The Cerrado is considered to be Brazil's second largest biome in terms of land area, covering approximately 25% of the country's territory, and has high rates of habitat loss. Although Myristicaceae is present in this biome, studies of this family in the Cerrado are limited. The aim of this study is to monograph Myristicaceae for the Cerrado. Random collections were made in Bambuí and neighboring municipalities resulting in several samples of Virola sebifera in the IFMG Herbarium collection. We have included detailed descriptions of each species, an identification key to the species of the family in the Cerrado, geographical distribution maps and photos. This study is relevant for a better understanding of the taxonomy of the Virola species found in the Cerrado, as well as contributing with unpublished records on the genus and with the adoption of effective conservation measures, aimed at protecting not only the Myristicaceae species, but the entire biodiversity of this biome.