A synopsis of Annonaceae in Indian subcontinent: Its distribution and endemism

摘要

The members of the family Annonaceae are distributedthroughout the tropical evergreen forests of America, Asia toAustralia mainly centered in old World tropics. In Indiansubcontinent (comprising of Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, Nepal,Pakistan, SriLanka and India), it is well represented (74.50% of thetotal taxa). The present paper deals with distribution,phytoendemism, possible fossil ancestry, potential survival threaton existing taxa etc. of Annonaceae in Indian subcontinent. Annonaceae, with the members of trees, shrubs or climbers ca.122 genera and ca.1200 species (AUBREVILLE 1960, BAKKER 1999, HUTCHINSON 1923, KOEKNORMAN, WESTRA & MASS 1990, KESSLER 1989, 1990, MITRA 1974, 1993)distributed throughout the tropical evergreen forests of America, Asia to Australiamainly concentrated in old World tropics. The economically potential (due to itsdemand as timber throughout the world, horticultural crave for its fruits) membersof Annonaceae should be considered as genetic resource (VAN SETTEN 1987);naturally deserve conservation. The lack of phyto-geographical account of thefamily members of this family in Indian subcontinent as well as part of SouthAsia, which is essential data for adopting proper conservation strategies, leads toundertake the present studies.