Sphagnum (velvet) species used by rural communities at the Guaratuba EPA, Paraná State, Brazil - doi: 10.4025/actascibiolsci.v34i2.7055

The results of a survey of Sphagnum used by the Descoberto and Empanturrado rural communities (Guaratuba municipality and Guaratuba Environmental Protected Area EPA) are presented. The analysis was based on fresh material collected in different harvesting areas. Five species were recorded: S. capillifolium (Ehrh.) Hedw., S. cuspidatum Ehrh. ex Hoffm., S. erythrocalyx Hampe, S. perichaetiale Hampe and S. recurvum P. Beauv.. All of them are native species that grow spontaneously in that region and are intensively harvested by the local community. A key is presented to differentiate the species, and the botanical description, common names, geographic distribution and illustrations for each species are included.