Orchidaceae in a fragment of restinga on the north coast of Bahia, Brazil

Abstract Area de Protecao Ambiental das Lagoas e Dunas do Abaete (APA Abaete) is an urban fragment of restinga in an environmentally protected area in the municipality of Salvador, Bahia, Brazil. The area is impacted by irregular disposal of solid waste, clandestine removal of sand from dunes, suppression and fragmentation of original vegetation cover and urban growth of neighborhoods. A recent floristic study revealed new records of orchid species for this conservation unit but highlighted strong threats to the orchid flora. In this context, a taxonomic study of Orchidaceae in APA Abaete was undertaken with the aim of facilitating the recognition of species in the field and supporting the establishment of more effective local conservation actions for orchids, which should include the manual dispersion of seeds and the relocation of individuals. Orchidaceae is the sixth most represented family in APA Abaete, with 15 genera and 19 species, including Encyclia dichroma and Koellensteinia florida, endemic species of the Atlantic Forest. The most relevant morphological characteristics for the identification of species in the area are: growth type; climbing habit; caulome thickness; shape and consistency of leaf blades; inflorescence type and position; and color and resupination of flowers.