Herbarium-based Mapping of Spatial Distribution and Genera of Marantaceae in Cameroon

Abstract

Marantaceae are ecologically and socio-economically important understory plants in Central African tropical forests, yet their spatial distribution in Cameroon remains insufficiently documented. This study employed georeferenced herbarium records from the National Herbarium of Cameroon to map the national distribution of Marantaceae species. Twelve genera were identified, indicating consistency in generic diversity across historical collections. <i>Marantochloa</i> emerged as the most widespread and dominant genus, reflecting its ecological adaptability and extensive local use, particularly for food wrapping and construction. Spatial analysis revealed a strong concentration of Marantaceae species in the humid forest zones of southern Cameroon, while occurrences in drier and savanna regions were sparse. These patterns highlight the combined influence of environmental conditions and species ecology on distribution. The findings demonstrate the effectiveness of herbarium-based spatial analysis for documenting plant diversity, identifying distribution hotspots, and informing conservation and sustainable use of forest plant resources.