Distribution and traits of climbing plants in subtropical and temperate South America

QUESTIONS: How do climbing species richness and composition change between subtropical and temperate areas of southern South America? How do growth form (lianas and vines) and climbing mechanisms change between subtropical and temperate areas of southern South America? How much of the diversity of species and traits of the extratropical climbing flora is derived from taxa shared with the tropical region? LOCATION: Subtropical (23–30° S) and temperate (>30° S) areas of South America. METHODS: An extensive literature search was carried out in the main databases concerning the flora of southern South America. Climbing species occurrence in subtropical and temperate areas and climbing traits were retrieved. Differences in the frequencies of both growth forms and climbing mechanisms between areas were evaluated using chi‐square analyses. Trait frequencies in subtropical and temperate floras were analysed with and without considering species shared with the tropical region. RESULTS: Climbing species richness decreased from subtropical to temperate areas, and there were changes in the taxonomic composition. The frequency of growth forms and climbing mechanisms differed between subtropical and temperate areas. Herbaceous vines accounted for 85% of temperate‐exclusive species. Twiners contributed less to climber richness in the temperate area, while tendril‐bearers and leaf‐climbers became more important; root‐climbers were only found in temperate forests. Species shared with the tropical region increase the number of liana species in both subtropical and temperate floras, but alter the frequencies of climbing mechanisms in the subtropical flora only. CONCLUSIONS: Results call for a re‐evaluation of the importance that is given to climbers in regions outside the tropics. Vines must be included in models of distribution and abundance of climbers in order to gain a better understanding of climbing plant ecology. The association between climbing mechanisms and the success of climbing plant species in different ecosystems must be further investigated.