A synopsis of the species of the genus Bacopa (Plantaginaceae, Gratioleae) from Paraguay and their conservation status

Abstract

Background and aims: Bacopa (Plantaginaceae) represents the genus with the largest number of species in the Gratioleae tribe, occupying a great diversity of humid environments in South America. The objective of this study is to contribute to the morphological and taxonomic knowledge of Bacopa from Paraguay, providing an identification key for the accepted taxa, morphological descriptions, botanical illustrations, distribution maps, observations and conservation status to country level.

M&M: The data obtained is based on fieldwork to Paraguay and examination of herbarium specimens. The conservation status of the species was evaluated in Paraguay taking its distributions into account (criterion B), according to the IUCN guidelines.

Results & Conclusions: Fifteen species and two varieties are recorded from Paraguay. Bacopa australis and B. stricta are cited for the first time in the country. Preliminarily conservation status of the species and Paraguayan distribution assessments are presented. Of the 15 species confirmed from Paraguay, 13 are under a threatened category, 12 are endangered (EN), and B. verticillata in critically endangered (CR). The species are distributed in five ecoregions and the largest number of species (13) is found in the Humid Chaco region.