Diversity of Araceae in the National Parks of Kanchanaburi, Chiang Mai and Kamphaeng Petch Province in Thailand

Abstract

Araceae is a family of monocotyledonous plants and has been recorded first time since 1789 by A. L. de Jussieu [1]. Kew Science reported 139 genera 4,236 species followed the authorities of Angiosperm phylogeny group (APG IV) [2], instead of 140 genera 4,167 species [3]. Nevertheless, The Genera of Araceae had been reported 125 genera 3,750 species in 2011 [4], but the Global Biodiversity Information Facility has recently reported 5,953 species in more than 230 genera [5]. The accepted genus and species are still be checked correctly by the taxon experts. Araceae in Thailand has been studied and reported by Bangkok Herbarium since 1921 [6]. In 2012, Flora of Thailand Journal, volume 12 reported 209 species in 26 genera, which did not still comprise the genus Lemna, Wolffia and Spirodella in subfamily Lemnoideae [7]. Nowsday, the record of Araceae diversity should be more than in 2012. Araceae is used for food, medicine, industry and decorate place by local people [8].