XVI International Botanical Congess

The number of Bignoniaceous genera and species decline from southern isthamanian Central America northward to Mexico. This is contrary to a gradually northward-expanding land area in Mesoamerica. Such data suggest a South American origin for the majority of Mesoamerica's bignon genera. Also, and as Gentry noted, genera with animal-dispersed seeds (such as Amphitecna) have a much higher incidence of local endemism than do those with wind-dispersed seeds. The wide variation of corolla sizes within some individual species is noteworthy. Variation within species often makes determination difficult, but Gentry's species concepts have proven o be realistic. Further generic consolidation, with perhaps more emphasis on vegetative structure and DNA evidence, is a worthwhile goal for the future.