Geographical patterns in neotropical Acacia (Leguminosae: Mimosoideae)

Abstract

Native neotropical species of Acacia, totalling 230 species, are represented by two subgenera, Acacia and Aculeiferum. The number of taxa per country and their distribution are presented. For subgenus Aculeiferum, the species of section Filicinae are the richest in Mexico, while species of section Monacanthea are the most diverse in Brazil, Bolivia and Mexico. The species of subgenus Acacia have three main areas of diversity, with Mesoamerica being the most important region for the myrmecophyllous species and Mexico, the United States and Cuba for the non-myrmecophyllous species.