Biogeography and conservation

Abstract

In this chapter, we discuss the aspects of the biogeography and conservation of fully mycoheterotrophic plants, with a strong emphasis on angiosperms. We provide a comprehensive overview of the distribution of mycoheterotrophic plants in tropical and temperate zones and compare the diversity of mycoheterotrophic lineages between biogeographic regions. Observed common biogeographic patterns, including widespread taxa, disjunct distribution ranges, diversity hotspots, endemism, and rarity, are discussed in an evolutionary and ecological context. We also examine the possible link between the distribution of mycoheterotrophic plants and the distribution of their specific host fungi. On a smaller spatial scale, we provide an overview of common habitat characteristics of mycoheterotrophs, and we determine aspects that may explain the co-occurrence of different lineages. We also focus on conservation issues of mycoheterotrophic plants and list major factors that threaten their existence. Lastly, conservation strategies necessary for the survival of threatened mycoheterotrophs are discussed.