Inventory and economic valuation of the Araceae family in the Arboretum of the Botanical Garden and Research Center in Lancetilla, Tela, Atlántida, Honduras

Abstract

The study was conducted across 73.8 hectares of the Wilson Popenoe Arboretum at the Lancetilla Botanical Garden and Research Centre (JBCIL), with the objective of carrying out a comprehensive total inventory and economic valuation of the Araceae family. A total of 2,582 individuals belonging to 14 genera and 25 species were recorded, with the genera having the largest number of individuals: Syngonium (1009), Aglaonema (332), Colocasia (325), Caladium (205). being the most representative. The results revealed high abundance, confirming the ecological importance of this botanical group. The economic valuation identified three main uses: ornamental, food, and medicinal. Ornamental species showed the highest demand and market value in local nurseries, while food species such as Xanthosoma and Colocasia demonstrated significant contributions to food security in surrounding communities. Overall, the findings highlight the ecological, economic, and socio-environmental potential of the Araceae family, reaffirming the need to strengthen conservation and sustainable management.