Articles
GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION OF PALMS
Article number
360_7
Pages
63 – 70
Language
Abstract
The actual geographic distribution of the Arecaceae may have been strongly influenced by the separation of the old Laurasia and Gondwana continents and their subsequent continental drift.
The high degree of endemism in all taxonomic levels has shown very restrict distributions.
Palms are found in humid areas in the tropics and sub-tropics.
In deserts they occur only in places where the water table is close to the surface.
Only a few species occur in temperate regions.
Among the Neotropical countries, Brazil has the greatest specific diversity for this family, counting about 387 species.
In generic terms, Colombia is the first in the rank with 41 genera.
The distribution patterns related to five great regions of palm occurrence are discussed.
The high degree of endemism in all taxonomic levels has shown very restrict distributions.
Palms are found in humid areas in the tropics and sub-tropics.
In deserts they occur only in places where the water table is close to the surface.
Only a few species occur in temperate regions.
Among the Neotropical countries, Brazil has the greatest specific diversity for this family, counting about 387 species.
In generic terms, Colombia is the first in the rank with 41 genera.
The distribution patterns related to five great regions of palm occurrence are discussed.
Publication
Authors
H. Fernandes
Keywords
Arecaceae, origin, dispersion, Brazilian palms
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