The diversity and distribution of Heliconia (Heliconiaceae) in Brazil

Abstract

A review of the phylogenetic relationships of the Zingiberales is presented and the distribution patterns and diversity of Heliconia are discussed. Sixty-five species names have been applied to the heliconias that occur in Brazil. Of these 65 names, 28 are generally recognized synonyms. Of the remaining 37 species of Brazilian Heliconia, some controversy exists over the taxonomic status of at least eight. Two primary areas of distribution of species of Heliconia exist in Brazil: the Amazon basin (21 species) and the Atlantic coastal forest (20 species).