Papers by Mara Rejane Ritter
Acta Botanica Brasilica, 2023
The Chromolaena congesta complex (Asteraceae, Eupatorieae) presents a difficult challenge for bio... more The Chromolaena congesta complex (Asteraceae, Eupatorieae) presents a difficult challenge for biodiversity researchers due to the intertwined connections of its species and the difficulty of establishing morphological boundaries. In this study, we aimed to use morphometric analyses to evaluate the delimitation of the taxa belonging to the C. congesta complex, identify informative morphological traits and to understand the identity of several "atypical" specimens morphologically related to the complex. To achieve this, we used cluster and principal component analysis to evaluate 50 morphological traits from a total of 210 specimens throughout the geographic distribution of the species complex. We found support for the recognition of at least six species-Chromolaena ascendens, C. gentianoides, C. hirsuta, C. latisquamulosa, C. rhinanthacea and C. squarrulosa-according to a phenetic species concept and to corroborate the restoration of three species from synonymy. Furthermore, our results provide a morphological recircumscription of C. congesta and C. elliptica and indicate two taxonomic novelties, including a new combination and a new species. Despite the answers provided by morphology, many taxonomic issues remain to be solved, and further studies with other types of evidence should be carried to contribute towards a more stable classification.
Latin American and Caribbean Bulletin of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, Nov 30, 2023
This review focuses on plant species traditionally used in Rio Grande do Sul, Santa Catarina and ... more This review focuses on plant species traditionally used in Rio Grande do Sul, Santa Catarina and Paraná states (southern Brazil) for the relief of digestive disorders. Fifty ethnobotanical studies were compiled, resulting in 384 species mentioned, of which those cited in common to every state were selected. The search retrieved 63 native species used to alleviate gastrointestinal disorders, distributed in 21 botanical families, mainly Asteraceae, Lamiaceae and Myrtaceae. The most cited species include Achyrocline satureioides (82%), Eugenia uniflora (70%), Baccharis crispa (46%), Psidium cattleyanum (36%), Solanum paniculatum (36%) and Monteverdia ilicifolia (34%). Scientific studies have corroborated their popular use for the relief the gastrointestinal disorders, but most of them are preclinical and mainly exploratory. In conclusion, the folk use of medicinal species with therapeutic purposes is widespread in southern Brazil, but further studies are needed to guarantee their efficacy and safety.
Pesquisas. Botanica, 2012
This work‟s objective was to perform an ethnobotanical survey of the species grown on the backyar... more This work‟s objective was to perform an ethnobotanical survey of the species grown on the backyards of a rural district of the town of Tres Coroas, linking their uses, handling and importance for the families‟ everyday lives. Thirteen backyards were visited and thirteen informers were interviewed through semi - structured questionnaires. Also, the guided tour technique was u sed, with questions about the plants that have importance to the families, present on the backyards. The reported taxa were classified in categories of use, being reported 152 taxa, distributed in 57 families. The most reported botanical family was Lamiace ae with 17 species, followed by Asteraceae with 13. It predominates the use of exotic species (73%), many of them traditionally used by European descendants. The use categories which were most reported were food and medicinal. The found results highlight t he importance the community gives to the cultivation and use of plant species in their residence‟s backyard, which incorporates the everyday life of the families
Revista Brasileira de Biociências, Mar 13, 2017
We performed a taxonomic study of tribe Helenieae (Asteraceae) in southern Brazil. The study was ... more We performed a taxonomic study of tribe Helenieae (Asteraceae) in southern Brazil. The study was conducted by means of literature review, consultation to herbarium specimens, and field collections covering the three states from southern Brazil: Parana, Rio Grande do Sul, and Santa Catarina. We present here: descriptions; identification keys; data on habitat, geographic distribution, and flowering and fruiting periods; general remarks on species conservation status; nomenclatural and taxonomic discussions; photographs; and illustrations of representatives from the tribe. A lectotype of Hymenopappus anthemoides Juss. is designated. A total five taxa belonging to three genera were surveyed, four of those taxa being of natural occurrence (two of them having only one historical record, each) and one being of sub-spontaneous occurrence.
Systematic Botany, Mar 30, 2023
— Hymenophyllum subg. Mecodium is subcosmopolitan and comprises ca. 35 species. Its neotropical s... more — Hymenophyllum subg. Mecodium is subcosmopolitan and comprises ca. 35 species. Its neotropical species are poorly known taxonomically. The high degree of morphological similarity among the species and the absence of clear characters to distinguish them has confounded taxonomic treatments, resulting in the lumping of many putative segregate taxa into a broadly circumscribed Hymenophyllum polyanthos species complex. The goal of the present study was to analyze morphologically and phylogenetically the species of Hymenophyllum subg. Mecodium in the Atlantic Forest domain. Morphological studies were conducted utilizing traditional stereomicroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Additionally, Bayesian inference and maximum likelihood phylogenetic analyses were performed using plastid data for seven markers: atpB, atpB-rbcL, matK, rbcL, rbcL-accD, rps4, and rps4-trnS. Seven independent lineages were identified in this study, while morphological analysis supported the delimitation of five taxa within the Atlantic Forest domain: Hymenophyllum apiculatum, H. polyanthos, H. schomburkii, H. undulatum, and H. viridissimum. One taxon, Hymenophyllum sturmii, is recognized as a cryptic species, formed by two independent evolutionary lineages, and treated here provisionally as the H. sturmii complex. A taxonomic revision for the six taxa occurring in the Atlantic Forest domain is presented, including seven new lectotypifications, along with an identification key, descriptions, and illustrations for the species. We also provide data regarding the geographical distribution and conservation status of these six species.
Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2024
Systematic Botany, Jun 23, 2023
— A revision of the species of Hymenophyllum subg. Hymenophyllum in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest... more — A revision of the species of Hymenophyllum subg. Hymenophyllum in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest domain is presented. Morphological and molecular analyses were performed based on herbarium material and samples collected during fieldwork. Molecular analyses were performed with data of the plastidial markers rbcL, rbcL-accD, rps4-trnS, and trnG-R. The results demonstrate the existence of three distinct and independent lineages of H. subgenus Hymenophyllum in the Atlantic Forest domain. Three taxa were recognized: H. fucoides, H. megachilum, and a new species, H. bradeanum, endemic to the Itatiaia Massif, southeast Brazil. Distribution maps, identification keys, descriptions, and illustrations are provided, together with a preliminary update of the conservation status of the species.
Quería agradecer a la Professora Mara Rejane Ritter por su confianza en mi y su ayuda en este tra... more Quería agradecer a la Professora Mara Rejane Ritter por su confianza en mi y su ayuda en este trabajo. Agradezco también al "Tio Juca" por abrirme su casa y su corazón y tratarme como a una más de la familia y por sus charlas filosóficas trabajando en la roça. A Bruno, por enamorarme no sólo de la antropología. Y en especial a todos los que me han apoyado en este año de exilio voluntario, por su fuerza, ánimo y presencia a mi lado. "A Soberania Alimentar é o direito dos povos, comunidades e países a definirem as suas próprias políticas agrícolas, pecuárias, laborais, de pesca, alimentares de forma a serem ecológica, social, económica e culturalmente apropriadas às suas circunstâncias exclusivas. Isto inclui o direito real à alimentação e à produção de alimentos". Lei Orgânica de Segurança Alimentar e Nutricional Sustentável (LOSAN), Art 3º 1. O termo carne-de-pobre faz referência a esta planta ter sido primeiramente consumida pelas comunidades mais humildes do Brasil, em especial pelas remanescentes de negros escravizados. Tabela 1: Reconhecimento e consumo das frutíferas nativas em porcentagem (em 50 entrevistados).
Ethnobotany Research and Applications
Ethnobotany Research and Applications
Introdução: Estudos etnobotânicos vêm demonstrando a habilidade de diferentes grupos sociais em m... more Introdução: Estudos etnobotânicos vêm demonstrando a habilidade de diferentes grupos sociais em manter e diversificar conhecimentos sobre plantas em ambientes urbanos. Este estudo caracteriza o conhecimento tradicional sobre plantas medicinais da comunidade do Morro da Cruz, na metrópole de Porto Alegre, Brasil. Métodos: Foram realizadas entrevistas semiestruturadas com 28 pessoas, sendo quatro terapeutas tradicionais. Foram coletados dados referentes aos usos e formas de obtenção das plantas e à origem dos entrevistados e de seu conhecimento, e foi calculado o valor de importância relativa das espécies citadas. Relações entre conhecimentos médicos tradicionais e científicos (intermedicalidade) foram caracterizadas e discutidas. Resultados: Foram identificadas 237 espécies, a maioria nativa do Brasil. A família com maior número de representantes foi Asteraceae (38), seguida de Lamiaceae (17). Espécies nativas e de uso ritualístico apresentaram altos valores de importância relativa. A principal forma de aprendizado constatada foi a vertical, sendo as mães e avós as principais responsáveis pelos ensinamentos. Conhecimentos tradicionais são influenciados por conhecimentos médicos científicos. A coleta constitui a principal forma de obtenção das plantas. O maior número de indicações de uso das ervas refere-se ao sistema digestório, seguido do respiratório. Conclusões: O elevado número de espécies e o significativo repertório de conhecimentos reflete a diversidade sociocultural e ambiental local e o importante papel das mulheres e dos/as terapeutas na produção e transmissão desses conhecimentos. Aprofundar estudos etnobotânico junto a esses atores constitui um caminho para a promoção e valorização das medicinais tradicionais nas cidades.
Ethnobotany Research and Applications
Background: Ferns and lycophytes comprise all vascular plants with no flowers, fruits, or seeds, ... more Background: Ferns and lycophytes comprise all vascular plants with no flowers, fruits, or seeds, grouped under the artificial name Pteridophytes. This group presents a broad range of ethnobotanical uses, being those medicinal, ornamental, ritual, edible, or others, but there are few studies that register the uses of this specific group and no comprehensive gathering of this data under one study in Brazil. This review aimed to gather, analyze, and organize existing data on the historical and present ethnobotany of Pteridophytes in Brazil. Methods: This study was conducted through a literature review, regarding historical and current data in order to understand how the human populations in Brazil utilize these plants. Species were also updated when necessary to generate a taxonomic correct listing. Results: We gathered data regarding 367 species, within 702 valid citations in 124 different sources, dating from the 16th century until today. Another 118 imprecise citations were registered, making up to a total of 820 species' citations. The most reported uses were medicinal and ornamental, followed by those of ritual and food uses. Almost all Pteridophyte families have recorded uses, and the species are used in all regions of the country, by diverse human groups. Conclusion: This survey brings to surface the broad use of Pteridophyte species in the country, compiling this information in an unprecedented way for Brazil, and highlighting their importance for human groups.
Coordenador: MARA REJANE RITTER É evidente o grande aumento de animais abandonados em áreas urban... more Coordenador: MARA REJANE RITTER É evidente o grande aumento de animais abandonados em áreas urbanas, o que pode ser observado no Campus do Vale da UFRGS. Tal situação agrava-se pela ausência de cercamento da área, e pelo fato do Campus localizar-se em área urbana periférica e pela condição precária de grande parte dos moradores. Com isso, muitos animais desassistidos por seus proprietários, migram para as dependências da Universidade. Nesse contexto, surgiu a ADAAC (Associação de Defesa Animal e Ambiental do Campus do Vale da UFRGS). Alunos e servidores (funcionários e professores) voluntários, de diferentes unidades, buscam minorar os problemas causados por essa situação, muitas vezes envolvendo animais que sofreram violência e crueldades incompatíveis com um comportamento civilizado. Cães apresentam comportamento territorial, ao se remover um grupo, outro, de regiões vizinhas, irá ocupar o seu lugar. Conseqüentemente, em pouco tempo se restabelece o número antigo, muitas vezes, originando o surgimento de doenças e conflitos que antes não existiam. Os animais que são atendidos pelo projeto e que circulam pelas dependências do Campus do Vale (CV) encontram-se cadastrados, vermifugados, vacinados e castrados, graças ao trabalho dos voluntários. Nesse contexto, esta ação visa reduzir os problemas decorrentes do abandono de animais nas dependências do CV, através do encaminhamento dos animais para adoção responsável. Também objetiva esclarecer a comunidade interna e externa da UFRGS sobre a adoção responsável, tentando eliminar as causas e os problemas decorrentes do abandono. As atividades são: cadastramento e identificação dos animais que circulam pelas dependências do Campus do Vale; encaminhamento dos animais abandonados para adoção; incentivo da adoção responsável; atendimento dos animais doentes; vacinação, esterilização e vermifugação dos animais; controle de zoonoses; fornecimento de alimentação adequada aos animais; divulgação dos endereços www.bichosdocampus.ufrgs.br e https://www.facebook.com/bichosdocampus/. A maior parte das ações são realizadas de maneira voluntária por muitos membros do projeto. Os cuidados e alimentação dos animais que circulam na área do Campus do Vale são realizados após criteriosa análise dos pontos e locais adequados, sem prejuízo da fauna nativa e sem negligências aos cães e gatos que habitam a área. As atividades desenvolvidas pelo grupo ao longo dos últimos anos, bem como o número total de animais atendidos e retirados do campus do Vale através da adoção responsável, atestam o sucesso dessa ação de extensão.
<i>Porophyllum spathulatum</i> C.R.Carneiro &amp; A.A.Schneid., <i>sp. nov.... more <i>Porophyllum spathulatum</i> C.R.Carneiro &amp; A.A.Schneid., <i>sp. nov.</i> (Figs. 1 and 2) <i>Inter species generis Porophylli habitu decumbenti, foliis spathulatis, capitulis ultra 50-floris, corolla albo-lutea, pedunculis apice dilatatis ab aliis recedens.</i> <i>Porophyllum spathulatum</i> differs from the other species of the genus by the combination of its decumbent habit along with the spatulate shape of the leaves, the large heads with more than 50 light-yellow florets, and the swollen upper part of peduncles. <b>Type</b>:— BRAZIL. Rio Grande do Sul: Santa Vitória do Palmar, Hermenegildo Beach, 0 m elev., 33º40ʹ21ʺ S, 53º16ʹ11ʺ W, 17 November 2013, <i>C. R</i> <i>.</i> <i>Carneiro 73</i> (holotype ICN!; isotypes: K!, LP!, RB!). Decumbent, gynodioecious, glaucous and glabrous perennial subshrubs, ascending branches 10–20 cm tall, deep taproot. <i>Stems</i> terete, 1.5–3 mm in diam., branched and brown, reddish in herbaceous younger portions, nodes conspicuous. <i>Leaves</i> entire, alternate or opposite, pseudopetiolate, pseudopetioles 2.2–3.6 mm long, spatulate, 14–20 × 2.4–4.2 mm, with a pair of linear translucent oil glands at the base, a solitary drop-shaped or short-linear gland near the apex and eventually one or few ones irregularly scattered along the margin, 0.4–0.9 mm long; apex rounded, margins entire, base attenuated, internodes 2.3–14.8 mm long. <i>Heads</i> homogamous discoid, solitary, 16–24 × 9–15 mm, florets 52–66; florets and pappus bristles exserted. <i>Peduncles</i> 28–48(60) mm long, apex obconical, enlarged beneath the head, 3.3–4.3 mm wide, 0.8–1.2 mm wide basally. <i>Receptacle</i> flat, 2.25–4.6 mm in diam., naked, alveolate. <i>Phyllaries</i> 5, free, uniseriate, 12.2–16 × 3.7–5.4 mm, oblong with mucronate apex, pruinose, glaucous to slightly wine-tinged, fleshy with hyaline margins, with two irregular rows of longitudinal glands 0.5–4 mm long each. <i>Bisexual florets</i> tubulose, 7.7–12.3 mm long, light yellow, corolla base inflated, 0.6–0.7 mm in diam., middle slender, 0.3 [...]
FIGURE 3. Map showing the occurrence area of Porophyllum spathulatum in southernmost Brazil.
FIGURE 2. Porophyllum spathulatum C.R.Carneiro & A.A.Schneid. A. Habitat. B. Habit. C. Habit show... more FIGURE 2. Porophyllum spathulatum C.R.Carneiro & A.A.Schneid. A. Habitat. B. Habit. C. Habit showing the taproot. D. Detail of the leaves. E. Bisexual heads showing the enlarged peduncle. F. Pistillate head. G. Bisexual floret (on the left) and pistillate floret (on the right). H. Bisexual floret showing the anthers (on the left) and pistillate floret open, showing staminodes (on the right). I. Cypsela and pappus. Photo credits: A–F by C.R. Carneiro and G–I by A.C.O. da Costa and C.R. Carneiro.
FIGURE 3. Distribution map of Trichocline cisplatina (circles) and Trichocline catharinensis (squ... more FIGURE 3. Distribution map of Trichocline cisplatina (circles) and Trichocline catharinensis (squares).
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Papers by Mara Rejane Ritter