Notes on frugivory in Monstera and Philodendron (Araceae) from Costa Rica and Panama

 

Marco Cedeno-Fonseca, Jose Pablo Castillo, Orlando O. Ortiz, Juan P. Rios, Lizeth Hidalgo Picado, Jeffrey Flores Rojas, Thomas B. Croat

 

ABSTRACT

Seed dispersal in aroids occurs mainly through animals (mainly by birds or mammals). However, the processes of seed dispersal and frugivory in diverse neotropical aroid genera such as Monstera and Philodendron are poorly known, especially in Central America. Here, illustrations and notes on frugivory of Philodendron popenoei and Philodendron crassispathum in Costa Rica are provided. Additionally, observations on bird and mammal frugivory in Monstera adansonii from Costa Rica  and Panama are included.

 

KEYWORDS

Dispersal, frugivory, Manacus candei, Euphonia anneae, Habia rubica, Potos flavus, Saguinus, Monstera, Philodendron.