The emergent macrophyte Montrichardia linifera (Arruda) Schott (Alismatales: Araceae), a rekindled old friend from the Pacific Slope of lower Central America and western Colombia

Abstract

The genus Montrichardia are among the most remarkable emergent macrophytes in tropical wetlands. It occurs exclusively in the Neotropics and contains two living species, M. linifera (Arruda) Schott and M. arborescens (L.) Schott. Montrichardia linifera has been reported mainly in the Amazon basin (southern Venezuela to Guyana, Brazil, Ecuador and Peru), whereas M. arborescens occurs in Central America (Mexico to Panama), the Lesser Antilles and northern South America. Based on our review of herbarium specimens from Central America and Colombia, as well as field documentation in Panama, we hereby provide the first report of the occurrence of M. linifera in Panama, Central America and western Colombia. Furthermore, this finding represents the first record on the Pacific Slope for this species in the Neotropics. The habitat, ecology, life-form, taxonomic remarks and morphological characteristics of the species are presented, discussed and illustrated. Additionally, a key for the species of the genus Montrichardia is included; we also provide a discussion about the helophyte concept for the genus Montrichardia.

Growth and Nutritional Quality of Lemnaceae Viewed Comparatively in an Ecological and Evolutionary Context

“…The Alismatales include many floating or submersed aquatic and wetland species found in marshy and marine habitats [12]. Araceae is the most species-rich family of the Alismatales and is remarkable for the highly diverse habitats in which its species thrive, ranging from open freshwater to deserts, and its diverse life forms, including hemi-epiphytes, epiphytes, terrestrial species, and aquatic plants [13]. It has been noted that some Araceae exhibit a high level of flexibility in the organization of the photosynthetic membrane [14] (see also below).…”