Coevolutionary Patterns in Central American Bignoniaceae

Abstract

The 600 species of the family Bignoniaceae are mostly large-flowered, winddispersed, woody, tropical plants. Division of the family into three major tribes -Tecomeae, Bignonieae, and Crescentieae-is based primarily on fruit morphology. In the neotropics the majority of the species are lianas, virtually all belonging to the Bignonieae. The neotropical Tecomeae and Crescentieae (excluding Schlegelia) are arborescent. Bignoniaceae is one of the most important families of woody plants and the most important family of lianas in the Central American forest ecosystems I have studied. This is true no matter whether diversity, frequency of occurrence, or density is chosen as an index of importance (Gentry, 1972, and in preparation). The coevolutionary patterns found in such an important family are clearly very important to understanding the evolution of the adaptive strategies of the animals which interact with these plants. Several aspects of bignon biology indicate long histories of coevolution with various groups of animals. I will note separately some evolutionary diversifications in the family related to interactions with herbivores, frugivores, and pollinators.