A review of the distribution patterns of the genera of Eriocaulaceae are presented. The present state of the systematics of the family in the Neotropics does not allow for conclusive interpretations on the geographical distribution, but the nine American genera fall into four broad distributional categories: widely distributed throughout the tropics; widely distributed in Africa and Neotropics; limited to North America and limited to South America. These distributions are discussed and interpreted.
Eriocaulaceae; distribution patterns; taxonomy