Unexpected species of Anthurium at the Seibal archaeological site (Guatemala) as a possible trace of Maya long-distance trade

Three archaeological sites of Maya structures close to one another, namely Cahal Pech (Belize), Seibal and Tikal (both Guatemala), have been examined as habitats of epiphytic or petrophytic species of the genus Anthurium (Araceae). A. schlechtendalii Kunth is found in the area and is a species common in Maya ethnobotany. Nevertheless, a large naturalised population of the very similar but larger species A. salvinii Hemsley has been detected in Seibal. This site is separate and geographically isolated from the natural habitats of A. salvinii in Guatemala. This phenomenon elucidates a possible ethnobotanical trace of Maya long-distance trade in pre-Columbian history.