The biogeography of the megadiverse genus Anthurium (Araceae)

Abstract

Abstract The tropics of the New World are a biodiversity hotspot, the genus Anthurium being an example of a megadiverse taxon with currently > 1000 described species. In this study, we provide detailed information on species distributions and analyse patterns of diversity and endemism, with a particular focus on the comparison of epiphytic and terrestrial congenerics. Using a dataset of occurrence records for 1041 Anthurium spp. (c. 98% of the genus), we modelled geographical species distributions using climate-based species distribution models or buffered convex hulls depending on the number of occurrences available. We identified nine bioregions using cluster analysis. The Andean slopes, Central America, the Chocó and the Atlantic Forest in eastern Brazil are the most important centres of diversity for Anthurium, whereas endemism is highest in the central Andes. These macroecological patterns agree largely with diversity centres for other Neotropical plant groups. Epiphytes, accounting for about two-thirds of all species, have much larger range sizes than terrestrials, but do not differ in elevational ranges. Almost 40% of all Anthurium spp. are restricted to the lowlands, but a few species grow at elevations of almost 4000 m. Although individual species have an average elevation range of just c. 1000 m, there are taxa that cover > 3500 m of elevation.