Climbing aroids in a Mexican lowland forest

Abstract Climbing aroids, despite their abundance in tropical forests, remain underexplored. This study is focused on species richness, abundance, density, and distribution patterns of climbing aroid community in a lowland rainforest in Los Tuxtlas, Veracruz, Mexico. Over two years, two censuses were conducted across 14 plots, recording 12 aroid species from five genera and their potential hosts. Ontogenetic classes were defined and validated, showing a positive correlation between total plant length/apex height and ontogenetic stage, indicating distinct growth phases. Host size (DBH) was significant predictor of the establishment probability across ontogenetic classes. Vertical distribution varied significantly among species, ranging from Philodendron hederaceum (7 m) to Anthurium flexile (0.88 m), with some species predominantly distributed on specific host sizes. Tree falls impacted specific species. Although limitations, including a short study period, restrict broader generalizations, this research establishes a foundational understanding of climbing aroid ecology and underscores the need for standardized methods and long-term monitoring to elucidate their population dynamics and ecological strategies.