Functional trait diversity of Cyclanthaceae and its convergent evolution with Araceae in Neotropical forests

The Cyclanthaceae comprise a relatively small family of about 230 species and 12 genera in the Pandanales that is widespread in wet Neotropical forests. The great majority of species can be divided into three growth forms (understory herbs, epiphytes, and root-climbing hemiepiphytes) that share functional traits with similar growth forms present in the Araceae, a member of the Alismatales and not closely related. Our objectives were first to characterize the diversity, functional growth forms, and ecological traits of Cyclanthaceae at the La Selva Biological Station. Specific functional leaf and canopy traits of terrestrial herbs and epiphytes are very similar and associated with ecological success in both families. We further examined the functional traits of root-climbing hemiepiphytes, a specialized growth form that links the two families but rare in other families and argue that their specialized functional traits allow them to be considered as a distinct functional growth form. A key trait in distinguishing hemiepiphytes which are rare outside of the Cyclanthaceae and Araceae is the severance of the main stem hydraulic connection to the soil early in plant development. We used field data to examine the possible evolutionary pathways of developmental and ecological transition from terrestrial to hemiepiphyte growth forms. The broader ecological success of hemiepiphytic Araceae compared to Cyclanthaceae is hypothesized to result from the presence of heteroblasty in developing stems and leaves which allows more efficient utilization of complex canopy light environments of wet tropical forests.

Automated summary

The Cyclanthaceae family consists of about 230 species and 12 genera that are widely distributed in wet Neotropical forests. Most species can be categorized into three growth forms and share functional traits with a similar family, Araceae. The study characterizes the diversity, growth forms, and ecological traits of Cyclanthaceae at the La Selva Biological Station. The findings show that the success of hemiepiphytic Araceae compared to Cyclanthaceae may be attributed to heteroblasty in developing stems and leaves, enabling more efficient utilization of complex canopy light environments.