Mexican Vascular Epiphytes
Abstract
The first complete checklist of the Mexican vascular epiphytes is presented, accompanied by data relating to its geographical
distribution by state, elevational range, endemism, life form and type of vegetation in which each species can be found.
Based on the review of herbarium specimens and specialized literature, as well as in the collection of botanical material
in several regions of the country, we determined that the vascular epiphytes of Mexico are integrated by 24 orders, 37
families, 253 genera, and 1,813 species, of which 583 are endemic to the country. The families with the highest specific
richness are Orchidaceae, Bromeliaceae, Polypodiaceae, and Piperaceae, while the genera with the highest number of taxa
are Tillandsia, Epidendrum, and Peperomia. Only one gymnosperm, Ceratozamia tenuis, was registered as epiphyte. The
types of vegetation that harbor the greatest richness are the cloud forest with 1,079 species and the Quercus forest with 837.
One hundred eighty-six species are found in some category of the NOM-059-SEMARNAT-2010
Resumen
Se presenta el primer catálogo completo de las epífitas vasculares de México, acompañado de datos relativos a su distribución
geográfica por estado, intervalo altitudinal, endemismo, forma de vida y tipo de vegetación en el que prospera cada una de
las especies. Con base en la revisión de ejemplares de herbario y de la literatura especializada, así como en la recolección
de material botánico en diversas regiones del país, determinamos que las epífitas vasculares de México están representadas
por 24 órdenes, 37 familias, 253 géneros y 1,813 especies, de las cuales 583 son endémicas al país. Las familias con mayor
riqueza específica son Orchidaceae, Bromeliaceae, Polypodiaceae y Piperaceae, en tanto que los géneros con mayor número
de taxa son Tillandsia, Epidendrum y Peperomia. Solamente una gimnosperma, Ceratozamia tenuis, se registró como epífita.
Los tipos de vegetación que albergan la mayor riqueza son el bosque mesófilo de montaña con 1,079 especies y el bosque de
Quercus con 837. Ciento ochenta y seis especies se encuentran en alguna categoría de la NOM-059-SEMARNAT-2010.
Palabras clave: Angiospermas, Angiospermas basales, bosque mesófilo de montaña, endemismo, Eudicotiledóneas,
Gimnospermas, Helechos, Licofitas, Monocotiledóneas.
... This percentage is comparable to the diversity of vascular epiphytes in Mexico (1,813 spp. = 10 % of vascular plants, Villaseñor 2016, Espejo-Serna et al. 2021. However, the number of epiphytic moss species is expected to increase with future sampling, particularly in the POF and TEF, where a higher number of species is predicted, and sampling effort has been lower (Figures 2, 3). ...
Background:
Epiphytic mosses are one of the most common groups in forest environments but among the most neglected by researchers in Mexico.
Questions:
What is the epiphytic mosses diversity, measured in richness, turnover, and community composition in Mexican forests?
Species of study:
Epiphytic mosses.
Study site and years:
Humid mountain forest, pine-oak and tropical evergreen forests. Study period: 2015 to 2021.
Methods:
Through a literature review and field work we compiled data on epiphytic mosses in three forest types in Mexico. We assessed the data using alpha and beta diversity analysis, indicator species, and community composition. Additionally, we explored the influence of elevation and forest type on the observed diversity patterns.
Results:
We report a richness of 147 species of epiphytic mosses across three types of Mexican forests. The humid mountain forest was the best sampled forest with the highest moss species richness. Although species richness is different for the forests studied, species turnover is similar among them. We demonstrated that elevation and forest type are highly correlated with species richness of epiphytic mosses.
Conclusions:
The epiphytic mosses studied here collectively represent over 15 % of the moss richness of Mexico. Forest type and elevation seem to be the drivers of this widely distributed richness. Finally, we call for more in-depth studies of the forests presented here, as well as those in other latitudes including variables such as humidity and host traits, to provide a more complete picture of an overlooked Mexican flora.
Antecedentes: Los inventarios florísticos documentan especies observadas en una región y constituyen aportes básicos para el conocimiento de sus recursos bióticos. Jalisco es uno de los estados con mayor riqueza florística a nivel nacional. Sin embargo, las constantes adiciones que se documentan con el trabajo exploratorio y los periódicos cambios taxonómicos hacen necesario tener un inventario actualizado de sus plantas vasculares. Preguntas: ¿Cuál es la riqueza, endemismo y distribución de la flora vascular de Jalisco? Especies de estudio: Traqueofitas. Sitio y años de estudio: Jalisco; septiembre 2020 a febrero 2024. Métodos: Se compiló una lista actualizada de especies a partir de revisión de literatura, consulta de especímenes del herbario IBUG y bases electrónicas disponibles en línea. Se estimó la riqueza total para el estado y para cada municipio. Se estimaron los índices de diversidad taxonómica y de complementariedad de especies entre municipios. Resultados: La flora vascular incluyó 242 familias, 1,622 géneros y 7,110 especies. Se registraron 3,310 especies endémicas de México, 412 especies endémicas de Jalisco y 390 especies exóticas. Los municipios con más especies fueron Autlán de Navarro, Cuautitlán de García Barragán y La Huerta. Conclusiones: La flora vascular de Jalisco ocupa el cuarto lugar entre las floras más ricas de México. El incremento en las cifras de riqueza, endemismo, incluso de especies introducidas, pone de manifiesto la necesidad de continuar documentando la flora mexicana.
Advancing our current knowledge on floristic richness in Mexico requires access to different sources, including published and unpublished inventories, fascicles of ongoing floristic projects, and publicly available online databases. The evaluation of these sources reveals how extensive the information available on the country’s floristic diversity is, its heterogeneity, and the lack of protocols and standards for its proper organization, analysis, and synthesis. This review addresses the extent to which these sources of information provide the basis to achieve the long-awaited goal of completing the Flora of Mexico, and how traditional outputs of taxonomic work (Floras and checklists) are useful to other fields of biological research. We identified major knowledge gaps, as well as actual and potential uses by other scholars and the public. Although all reviewed sources focus on a better knowledge of the Mexican plant species, each one has its own approach, geographic coverage, and objectives, producing incompatibilities that hamper their integration for rapid and efficient synthesis and analysis. Such integration should offer an updated scenario of its taxonomic and geographical coverage, setting the foundations for organized protocols and strategies aimed to complete the Flora of Mexico in the short term. Floristic knowledge for the country continues to advance actively, as indicated by the growing number of floristic inventories and the buildup of online databases. This synthesis shows how much we know today about Mexico’s vascular plant richness and highlights the relevance of this knowledge to other fields of study of nature, particularly those related to its plant component.
The Neotropical Region (NR) is one of the areas with the most plant diversity globally, and its richness of vascular epiphyte (VE) species is higher than Africa and Asia combined. This richness is a consequence of the heterogeneous climate and geological history of the region, both factors also being responsible for the plant distribution patterns. Here, we aimed to explore the phytogeographic relationships of the VE in the NR using 14,636 identified records from 173 surveys exclusively of VE, carried out in 14 countries and 23 biogeographic provinces, comprising 3849 identified species. We assessed the floristic patterns and relationships with climatic variables by multivariate analysis (cluster and ordination analyses). The clustering formed 13 main groups, partly corresponding to the biogeographic units of the NR. Our results demonstrate consistent floristic patterns confirmed through the analysis of floristic similarity, corroborating previous biogeographic classifications in well-studied areas, while broader patterns were found in poorly studied areas. We found a floristic gradient pattern, which allowed us to understand the relationships between environmental conditions and floristic patterns. Furthermore, we discuss our results under the light of the history that likely shaped the current distribution patterns and richness of the VE in the NR. The VE proved to be an important model for testing biogeographic classifications. We encourage the studies of this synusia in the several geographical gaps that remain in the NR, which undoubtedly will improve further studies and support conservationist policies.
Antecedentes y Objetivos:
La familia Bromeliaceae en México está integrada por 422 especies, de las cuales en Veracruz se encuentran 96(22.7%); diez de ellas son endémicas al estado. El objetivo de este estudio fue identificar y reportar las especies de bromeliáceas que no se habían registrado previamente para la entidad.
Métodos:
Se realizaron exploraciones botánicas en diferentes regiones del estado de Veracruz como parte de la investigación de dos tesis doctorales. Adicionalmente se revisaron las colecciones de Bromeliaceae en los herbarios CORU y XAL.
Resultados clave:
Se documentan nuevos registros para el estado de Veracruz de dos especies del género Tillandsia (T. bourgaei y T. roseoscapa) y de una especie del género Pitcairnia (P. xanthocalyx). Una especie más (Tillandsia prodigiosa) representa un redescubrimiento para la flora estatal. Finalmente, se presenta información sobre la distribución y el hábitat, así como fotografías de cada una las especies.
Conclusiones:
Los resultados obtenidos, en conjunto con otros nuevos registros reportados previamente, confirman que la zona centro del estado de Veracruz, especialmente la zona Córdoba-Orizaba-Zongolica había permanecido, hasta hace poco, pobremente estudiada desde el punto de vista florístico. Resalta la importancia de la vegetación xerófila presente en el área, en la cual habitan especies que se comparten con la flora del Valle de Tehuacán-Cuicatlán. Lo mismo aplica para la porción norte del estado, en la región del Totonacapan, la cual también ha recibido escasa atención de los botánicos mexicanos.
Antecedentes y Objetivos:
Son pocos los trabajos florísticos que se han publicado sobre licofitas y helechos (pteridofitas en conjunto) de Puebla, México, por lo que se considera muy probable que la riqueza de especies en el estado sea mayor a la que se tiene documentada hasta el momento. El objetivo de este trabajo es reportar nuevos registros de este grupo de plantas para la entidad, incluyendo su distribución municipal y altitudinal, así como el tipo de vegetación en que se presentan.
Métodos:
De 2010 a 2018 se efectuaron diversos viajes de recolección a distintas localidades de Puebla, durante los cuales se recolectaron y herborizaron ejemplares de licofitas y helechos, que fueron identificados y depositados en el Herbario de la Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana-Iztapalapa (UAMIZ). La información generada se confrontó con la lista de especies reportadas en la literatura para la entidad, lo que permitió reconocer los nuevos registros.
Resultados clave:
Se documenta por primera vez para Puebla la presencia de 32 especies y un híbrido de licofitas y helechos, la mayoría de las cuales pertenecen a las familias Pteridaceae, Dryopteridaceae y Aspleniaceae, crecen en bosque mesófilo de montaña y vegetación derivada de bosque tropical perennifolio, entre 250 y 2500 m de altura.
Conclusiones:
Los nuevos registros incrementan de 335 a 367 el número de especies de licofitas y helechos que habitan en el estado de Puebla y ponen en evidencia la necesidad de continuar con el trabajo de exploración en la entidad.
This study presents an updated checklist of vascular epiphytes found in the highly-conserved mangrove forest surrounding El Cometa Lagoon inside Pantanos de Centla Biosphere Reserve, Mexico. In order to perform this task, 25 sampling units were established at the study site and were visited at two stages, once in 2014 and next in 2016. Inside each sampling unit, all the epiphyte species found on host trees with a diameter at breast height 10cm were recorded. The complete epiphyte species list included 25 species belonging to 18 different genera. The richest family was Orchidaceae with nine species and the richest genus was Tillandsia with seven species. Additionally, the total epiphyte richness found in this study was among the highest reported for mangrove forests in Mexico. Epiphyte studies in mangrove forests are uncommon; therefore, this list is the first step to identify vascular epiphytes in the region and contribute to its proper conservation.
The transition zone from the tropics to the subtropics in Mexico is an outstanding and poorly explored area of biotic overlap, and as such very interesting to evaluate how species richness patterns change in the latitudinal context. In order to assess alpha diversity patterns of ferns in this zone, we analyzed changes in their assemblages along an elevational gradient from 300 m to 3,000 m in the Sierra de Juárez, Oaxaca, and compared the results with similar studies conducted in Central and South America. We report the most detailed plot-based elevational gradient study on ferns in the region and provide detailed data on species abundances and elevational ranges. In 121 plots of 20 × 20 m, we found 195 fern species, with the highest species numbers recorded at mid-elevations (1,100–2,200 m) and lower richness at both gradient extremes. This hump-shaped pattern was mainly driven by epiphytes, which contributed about 40% to the total species richness and had wider elevational ranges than terrestrial species, which contributed 38% to the total richness, and were more or less constant at low to mid elevations about 2,500 m, followed by a gradual decline. Overall, richness per plot was low compared to other elevational gradients within the tropics closer to the Equator. This decline of species richness towards the subtropics and temperate regions appears to be rather abrupt within Central America, but additional data are needed to close the remaining gap of knowledge between Costa Rica and Mexico.
Five new species of Peperomia (Piperaceae), endemic to the state of Veracruz, Mexico, are described, illustrated, compared with morphologically close taxa and assigned to their respective subgenus. Peperomia castilloi Vergara-Rodríguez & Jimeno-Sevilla, P. nopalana G.Mathieu, P. trichobracteata G.Mathieu & T.Krömer and P. xalana G.Mathieu are four somewhat similar species that occur at lower elevations in tropical humid forests. eperomia zongolicana Jimeno-Sevilla & Vergara-Rodríguez occurs in tropical humid forests at mid-range elevations and is very distinct by the shape of its inflorescences.
An assessment of their conservation status, considering IUCN Red List categories and criteria, revealed that they all belong to a threatened category, mainly due to the continuous loss and fragmentation of their natural habitats.
This study addresses the taxonomic identity of Ceratozamia tenuis (Dyer) D. W. Stev. & Vovides, 2016, a binomial that has been related historically with the taxonomic concept of C. mexicana Brongn., 1846. We describe the phenological stages of the C. tenuis, the reproductive period, and the degree of synchrony between males and females in natural habitat. Our results show that the reproductive period between pollen plants and ovulate plants is not synchronous. All ovulate plants in the populations studied emerge from August to October and exhibit the same time scale of growth, and thus their receptivity is synchronous. In contrast, pollen plants have a differential emergence period in the populations that lasts for more months and displays different growth rates. The correspondence in receptivity between pollen and ovulate occurs from January to March, but at the population level some pollen plants will continue their development and not reach maturity until July. In addition, we describe the recent discovery of epiphytism for the species; the epiphytic habit constitutes an ecological condition that had not previously been reported for the genus. Finally, we discuss the implications of these ecological features for dispersal.
The tribe Hylocereeae are represented by mainly Central American-Mexican epiphytic, hemi-epiphytic and climbing cacti. They are popular due to their spectacular nocturnal flowers and have some importance as crops grown for their edible fruits. We present the first comprehensive phylogenetic study of the Hylocereeae sampling 60 out of the 63 currently accepted species and 17 out of 19 infraspecific taxa. Based on four plastid regions (trnK/matK, the rpl16 intron, rps3-rpl16, and trnL-F) we find a highly supported core Hylocereeae clade that also includes Acanthocereus and Peniocereus p.p., while Strophocactus is depicted as polyphyletic and is resolved outside of the Hylocereeae tribe. The clades found within Hylocereeae agree, in general terms, with the currently accepted genera but none of the genera are entirely monophyletic in their current circumscription. A new concept for the Hylocereeae is presented to include the genera Acanthocereus (incl. Peniocereus p.p.), Aporocactus, Disocactus, Epiphyllum, Selenicereus (incl. Hylocereus and Weberocereus p.p.), Pseudorhipsalis, Kimnachia gen. nov., and Weberocereus. New nomenclatural combinations are provided to make these genera monophyletic. The genus Deamia is reinstated for Strophocactus testudo and S. chontalensis, while Strophocactus is newly circumscribed to include S. wittii, Pseudoacanthocereus brasiliensis, and P. sicariguensis. Both genera are excluded from Hylocereeae. A taxonomic synopsis of Hylocereeae is provided.
Background: La Chinantla, a topographically and geomorphologically complex region, and probably the most humid in the country, hosts a diverse but largely unknown biota, particularly at higher elevations.
Questions: How many plant species are present in La Chinantla? How are these species distributed along the elevational gradient encompassed in the region?
Studied species: Lycopodiophyta, Pteridophyta, Gimnospermopsida, Magnoliidae, Eudicots,
Monocots.
Study sites and years of study: We studied the flora of the La Chinantla hyper-humid region, Northern Oaxaca Range, southern Mexico, from 1993 to 2017.
Methods: We collected 2,654 specimens in 73 main localities distributed across an elevational range from 250 to 3,020 m (but concentrated above 800 m). Numerous experts in plant taxonomy examined the specimens and provided or confirmed identifications.
Results: The checklist of the vascular plants includes 1,021 species, 471 genera and 162 families of vascular plants. The specimens/species ratio (2.6) reflected a satisfactory collecting effort. The most diverse families were Asteraceae, Rubiaceae, and Orchidaceae, whereas the most speciose genera were Peperomia , Miconia and Piper . Most listed species are herbs (47.3 % of the total) and trees (35.2 %), whereas the terrestrial (85.4 %) and epiphytic (15.9 %) growth habits were the most frequent ones (some species presented more than one growth form or growth habit category).
Conclusions: Based on the magnitude of the current checklist, we estimate that the actual number of species in this region must be around 1,650. The recorded richness of vascular plant species of La Chinantla confirms the large diversity and uniqueness of its flora and calls for efficient conservations efforts to ensure its maintenance in the future.
Resumen
Se estudió la riqueza de especies de plantas vasculares del municipio de Guadalcázar en la región del Altiplano Potosino, un área enclavada en la provincia fisiográfica conocida como Meseta Central y en donde una parte significativa de su superficie ha sido decretada área natural protegida. Se registraron 813 especies de plantas vasculares en 5 tipos de vegetación: matorral submontano, matorral xerófilo, bosque de Quercus, bosque de Pinus y pastizal, siendo el matorral submontano el que alberga la mayor riqueza florística, predominantemente especies de la familia Asteraceae. Un análisis del patrón de distribución de todas las especies mostró que 299 (36.8%) son endémicas de México, la mayoría de la familia Cactaceae. En cuanto al estado de conservación de las especies, 123 (15.1%) se encuentran en alguna categoría de riesgo e igualmente la mayoría de ellas son cactáceas. De la riqueza de plantas existentes en el área de estudio, 160 (19.7% del total) tienen registro de algún tipo de uso.
We present an overview of the diversity, distribution and conservation status of all 60 species of the genus Peperomia (‘radiator plants’, Piperaceae), which are currently known from the state of Veracruz in Mexico, including a taxonomically updated reference list that includes information about life form, overall distribution, endemism and occurrence in Mexican states and municipalities of Veracruz. Specifically, for this latter state we provide information on elevational range, habitat and distinguishing characters useful for identification or uses. Moreover, we realize an assessment of conservation status considering IUCN Red List categories and criteria at regional level. About 45% of Peperomia species from Veracruz belong to a threatened category, mainly because of the continued loss and fragmentation of natural habitats.
El género Peperomia es un grupo de plantas muy poco estudiado en Veracruz e incluso en México, sin embargo, la realización de este trabajo ha conducido a obtener importantes y nuevos conocimientos en relación a su riqueza, distribución y estado de conservación. El objetivo primordial de este trabajo es dar a conocer una lista actualizada de las especies presentes en el estado y proporcionar datos importantes que sirvan de referencia para la identificación y ubicación de las especies en futuros estudios botánicos.
Para la realización de este estudio fue necesario visitar diferentes herbarios del país para revisar las ejemplares de Peperomia colectadas en Veracruz, también fue necesario realizar exploraciones al campo para localizar algunas especies. Además, fue sumamente importante la revisión de bibliografía y bases de datos, así como la creación de una base de datos para la organización de la información.
México cuenta con 117 especies de Peperomia registradas, en el estado de Veracruz se registraron un total de 63 especies, es decir más de la mitad de las especies registradas para el país. 12 de estas son especies endémicas lo que nos refleja la riqueza e importancia de este género en el estado de Veracruz.
Subtribe Pleurothallidinae with just over 5000 species is possibly the most species-rich of all orchids. It has been growing steadily for more than two centuries, but the last three decades have been especially active in terms of systematic and phylogenetic studies in the group. The growth in species numbers has been accompanied by the marked increase in generic and infrageneric concepts. Nevertheless, Pleurothallidinae are plagued with cases of convergent and divergent morphology, and phylogenetic relatedness is not always apparent. This opens the door to controversial changes in generic circumscriptions that are considered too inclusive by some and too exclusive by others. A grave consequence of these disagreements is the difficulty of assessing which and how many species actually belong to each genus. Here an attempt is made to place generic names among their close relatives as a first step to re-evaluating the whole subtribe.
The Tacaná-Boquerón region (TBR) in Chiapas is considered an area of high biodiversity in Mexico, with a rich but poorly studied orchid flora, which is an important component of the vegetation and threatened by an accelerated rate of deforestation. By means of fieldwork, and the revision of scientific collections and literature, an orchid checklist for the TBR and adjacent areas was made; using geographic information systems the distribution of this orchid flora was analyzed in the study area. From 1,235 records we report 105 genera and 325 species, two of them determined to infraspecific level and two are natural hybrids; nine species were additions to the Mexican flora; 39 species are considered at risk in Mexico; the national distribution of a further 20 species are restricted to the TBR. This orchid flora represents 24 % and 44 % of the national and state orchid species richness, respectively, is the second richest in Mexico, and only surpassed by the region El Momón-Las Margaritas-Montebello (Chiapas). The greatest orchid richness is concentrated between elevations of 500 to 2,499 m, in areas now given over to permanent agriculture (including coffee and cocoa plantations); in primary forest the richness is lower. The Tacaná Volcano Biosphere Reserve is the only protected area in the TBR and the proposal to extend it to the Boquerón peak would promote the protection of the orchid flora growing above 1,000 m in the region. Traditional coffee plantations could be alternative to conserve orchids that grow below 1,600 m.
An updated inventory of the native vascular plants of Mexico records 23,314 species, distributed in 2,854 genera, 297 families, and 73 orders. The flora includes 1,039 species of ferns and lycophytes, 149 gymnosperms, and 22,126 angiosperms. On average, the number of synonyms per species is 1.3 (mode = 1). The number of species places Mexico as the country with the fourth largest floristic richness in the world, although among the non-insular countries, by its number of endemic species (about 50%) is second only surpassed by South Africa. The species distribution among higher taxonomic categories, and the richness and endemism values in the 32 states of Mexico are discussed. This compilation allows us to assess the flora's contribution to the overall Mexican biodiversity.
Explorations in central Veracruz on the Transvolcanic Mexican Belt and regions explored by 19th century botanists we found various populations of Ceratozamia whose taxonomic status is not yet completely clear. Especially two populations of C. mexicana with distinct morphology; one population at El Esquilón considered as C. mexicana by Chamberlain and other authors, and another population at El Mirador that Stevenson found a voucher at the herbarium in Paris with oblanceolate leaflets collected by Ghiesbrecht and designated it as Brongniart's holotype. The plants from El Mirador are comparable to the holotype of C. mexicana, but those at El Esquilón do not. Stevenson later also found a voucher at Kew by Thiselton-Dyer as C. mexicana var. tenuis from Mexico with linear-lanceolate leaflets that is similar to the plants at the El Esquilón population. An analysis of 11 leaflet anatomical characters gave a significant discriminant pattern (Wilk's lambda 0.00015 P < 0.01). The squared Mahalanobis distances were also significant (P < 0.05) and the first canonic variable showed that 93.4 % of the variation was due to the anatomical characters. A new nomenclatural combination is proposed and Thiselton-Dyer's voucher assigned as the lectotype of Ceratozamia tenuis. Epitypes were also designated for the two species in support of the anatomical analysis as well as a description for both species given.
Phragmipedium warscewiczii is reported as new record for the Mexican orchid flora from material recently collected in Chiapas. The species is described from Mexican specimens and it is compared with P. exstaminodium, its closest ally. The Mexican locality is the northernmost and most distant population for P. warscewiczii. Information on nomenclature, distribution, habitat, and factors of risk for this orchid is provided.
In this annotated checklist, 111 names of taxa of Peperomia Ruiz & Pav. (Piperaceae) are placed into synonymies, 26 former synonymized names are re-established, and 10 existing synonyms are transferred and placed under a different accepted name of taxon. In addition, 43 lectotypes are designated. Appropriate nomenclatural as well as taxonomic justification is provided.
Se documentan 7 nuevos registros de orquídeas para la flora del estado de Tabasco, México. La distribución de cada especie fue evaluada para México y el resto del Neotrópico mediante información obtenida de listados florísticos, registros de herbario y herramientas en línea. Finalmente, se discute la importancia del bosque tropical perennifolio como hábitat para la conservación de las orquídeas en un estado severamente alterado por deforestación y cambios en el uso de suelo como Tabasco.
Veracruz, with 542 recorded species, is the third richest state in Mexico in terms of total fern diversity. Field work, herbarium studies, and a revision of literature during the last decade revealed 22 new state records. Five of these belong to Elaphoglossum, four are filmy ferns, and three are grammitids. Most of the new taxa were collected in the endangered humid montane and pine-oak forests of the central and Los Tuxtlas area during recent research projects. Another 13 species, mainly within Elaphoglossum and Selaginella, have been published as new records in the literature. Whereas several of these might possibly be confirmed in the future, others form part of poorly known species complexes that require specific studies, and we consider them as doubtful or unverified. Our study highlights the need of more fern inventories in remote and mostly unexplored areas, as well as revisions of national and local herbaria, both of which may reveal additional species new to science or range extensions.
The preparation of a taxonomic treatment of the genus Peperomia (Piperaceae) for the ‘Flora of Veracruz’, revealed that three species remained without being described. This finding is a result of the review and study of botanical collections in several Mexican and foreign herbaria, as well as of field work in order to collect living and fertile material, which allowed us to describe and illustrate the species as new to science. Two of these, P. chazaroi and P. vazquezii, appear to be endemic to Veracruz, whereas P. parastriata was also found in the neighboring states Chiapas and Oaxaca. The treatment includes assessments of conservation status considering IUCN Red List criteria.
ABSTRACT. Echeveria munizii, a new species from the southwestern slopes of Volcán de Colima on the Colima-Jalisco border in western Mexico is described and illustrated. This species belongs to series Gibbiflorae and is most similar to E. fulgens from which it differs in having adaxially sulcate leaves with straight and hyaline margins, olive green to brownish green surface, a fewer flowered inflorescence with fewer flowers per branch, a pink / orange bicolored corolla with the inner surface pale pink to orange, the base of the carpels white, and longer pedicels. A species conservation assessment, undertaken using IUCN crite-ria, determines Echeveria munizii to be Critically Endangered (CR). Resumen Echeveria munizii se describe e ilustra como especie nueva de la vertiente suroeste del Volcán de Colima, cerca de los límites de los estados de Colima y Jalisco en el occidente de México. Esta especie pertenece a la serie Gibbiflorae, difiere de E. ful-gens por tener hojas sulcadas adaxialmente, margen hialino y recto, superficie verde-olivo a café-verdosa, un menor número de flores por rama, un menor número total de flores, corola bicolora de rosa a naranja en el exterior y de blanco-rosada a naranja en el interior, los carpelos blancos en la base y pedicelos más largos. Un asesoría del estado de conservación de Echeveria munizii le clasifica como en Peligro Crítico (CR)
To date, there is no comprehensive and updated work on the orchids of Tabasco, despite the existence of several floristic studies that include Orchidaceae and citations of material available in local herbaria. The objective of this research was to collect, update, and expand our knowledge of the Orchidaceae of Tabasco, by compiling a list with all available taxonomic information, conservation status, and geographic distribution of species. The checklist includes a total of 109 species and one variety in 58 genera. Twelve taxa are new records for the state: Anathallis yucatanensis, Cyrtopodium macrobulbon, Oeceoclades maculata, Maxillariella variabilis, Myrmecophila christinae var. Christinae, Polystachya clavata, Prescottia stachyodes, Rhetinantha aciantha, Sarcoglottis assurgens, Stanhopea oculata, Stelis cobanensis, and Trichosalpinx ciliaris. Six of the species are found in some risk category according to NOM-059-SEMARNAT-2010. The municipalities with high diversity of species are Teapa (66 species), Tacotalpa (55), and Huimanguillo (40). The vegetation types with the highest diversity are the evergreen tropical forest (79 species), the high evergreen forest (52), the lowland floodplain (28), and secondary vegetation (25). The lowest diversity was recorded in the lowland evergreen and mangrove, both with eight species, followed by the aquatic vegetation with seven species and cloud forest with five species.
Resumen Se presenta un listado de orquídeas para la región de Juquila, una zona de gran biodiversidad en la Sierra Sur y Costa de Oaxaca pero que ha sido escasamente estudiada y actualmente enfrenta problemas serios por pérdida de hábitat. La meta de este trabajo fue contribuir al conocimiento de la diversidad de orquídeas en esta región de Oaxaca. El listado se elaboró a partir de trabajo de campo, revisión de las colecciones de los herbarios AMO y OAX, y búsqueda de información bibliográfica. Se obtuvo una lista de 50 géneros, 129 especies y dos subespecies; once orquídeas son endémicas al estado y cinco tienen una distribución restringida a la Sierra Sur de Oaxaca. La diversidad de orquídeas de Juquila fue compara con aquellas reportadas en otras zonas del estado. Se señalan los factores de riesgo para las orquídeas de la región y las especies que están más amenazadas. Abstract A checklist for the orchids from Juquila region is presented, a zone with great biodiversity but that has scarcely been studied and actually is facing serious problems by habitat loss. The goal of the present work was to contribute to the knowledge of the orchid diversity in this Oaxacan region. The checklist was elaborated from field work, consult of the AMO and OAX herbaria, and search of bibliographic information. It was obtained a list of 50 genera, 129 species, and dos subspecies; 11 orchids are endemics to Oaxaca and cinco are geographycally restricted at the Oaxacan South Highland. The orchid diversity of Juquila was compared with those reported from other state zones. The rik factors for the orchids from this region are mentioned, as well as the most threatened species.
A new taxonomic treatment of the genus Sigmatostalix in Costa Rica is presented. All the species are described and illustrated, and a key is provided for identification of Costa Rican taxa. Three new species are described. Sigmatostalix cardioglossa and S. savegrensis are related to the Mesoamerican group close to S. picta, but lack retrorse lobules on the lip lamina. Sigmatostalix cardioglossa has a cylindrical, non-canaliculate claw, and a 3-mamillate callus on the disc. Sigmatostalix savegrensis presents lateral sepals connate to the middle, entire, rheniform lamina of the lip, and open, semicircular callus. Sigmatostalix hymenantha is lectotypified, its taxonomic concept is reconsidered and Costa Rican material previously referred to this taxon is described as S. integrilabris. Sigmatostalix integrilabris is a close relative of S. adamsii (a species here excluded from Costa Rican flora), from which it can be distinguished by the much wider lamina of the lip provided with a smaller callus, and the long column with small apical wings.
We assessed the diversity of vascular plants in the Yaxchilán Natural Monument, a nature protection area located in Chiapas State, southern Mexico. A checklist including 547 species (337 genera, 102 families) was produced by combining information derived from three sources: (1) an initial list derived from an ecological study on forest structure; (2) a systematic survey conducted over an 18month period; and (3) an extra visit to the site as part of a more ambitious project covering the entire Lacandon rain forest region. February was the month in which the largest number of fertile vouchers was collected in two consecutive years. The families with greatest richness were Fabaceae (47 species), Orchidaceae (34), Rubiaceae (23), and Asteraceae (22). The most speciose genera were Piper (13 species), Psychotria (9), Adiantum and Peperomia (8). Trees were the largest growth form group (203 species), followed by terrestrial herbs (129). Most species (459) were encountered in primary, closed forest, but secondary vegetation contributed 125 species. An estimation of the total size of Yaxchilán flora obtained through the Chao 2 algorithm indicated that this protected area may host more than 850 plant species. Despite its relatively small area, the Yaxchilán Natural Monument hosts a considerable biodiversity, representing over 16.2% of the recorded flora in the entire Selva Lacandona region, and over 7.2% of the State flora.
An assessment of variation in the complex of species related to Polystachya foliosa has revealed a novel circumscription of this species. Our evidence indicates that the name P. foliosa is only correctly applied to plants from the Amazon basin, the Guiana shield, and the West Indies. The name Polystachya caracasana is here used for many other populations of the species formerly referred to P. foliosa, thus making the latter a more narrowly circumscribed taxon. The two species are easily distinguished by flower size, labellum details, and vegetative traits. A key to distinguish these two species is provided. Full descriptions, discussions of synonymy, relevant iconography, and specimen citations for both taxa are also presented. Lectotypes are designated for P. cingulata Schltr., P. guatemalensis Schltr., P. minor Fawcett, P. panamensis Schltr., and P. weigeltii Rchb.f.; a neotype is designated for P. stenophylla Schltr., and epitypes are proposed for P. foliosa and P. panamensis.
We estimated phylogenetic relationships within Anathallis and related genera using Bayesian analyses of nrITS sequence data. The genus is biphyletic in the molecular trees. A novel generic concept, Lankesteriana, is proposed for the species Anathallis barbulata and 19 close relatives. The genus is more closely related to some species of Trichosalpinx and Zootrophion than to Anathallis s.s. Species previously transferred from Pleurothallis subgen. Acuminatia sect. Acuminatae to Anathallis, are here transferred to Stelis, to which they are related phylogenetically. A few additional transfers to Anathallis are made. Lankesteriana is described and characterized, and the necessary taxonomic transfers are made.
RESUMEN Se describe e ilustra Catopsis occulta Mart.-Correa, Espejo & López-Ferr., especie nueva endémica de los estados de Chiapas, Oaxaca y Veracruz en México. El nuevo taxon se caracteriza por sus plantas dioicas de gran tamaño con las inflorescencias generalmente tres veces ramificadas y las brácteas florales y los sépalos amarillo-anaranjados. Se le compara con C. berteroniana (Schult. & Schult. f.) Mez, la cual presenta características morfológicas similares. Palabras clave: Bromeliaceae, Catopsis, dioicismo, endemismo. ABSTRACT Catopsis occulta Mart.-Correa, Espejo & López-Ferr., a new endemic species from the states of Chiapas, Oaxaca and Veracruz in Mexico, is described and illustrated. The new taxon is characterized by dioecious, large plants with usually three times branched inflorescences and yellow-orange floral bracts and sepals. The new species is compared with C. berteroniana (Schult. & Schult. f.) Mez, which is morphologically similar.
Grammitid ferns are a group of about 750 species, which have been treated as a distinct family (Grammitidaceae) or as part of the Polypodiaceae. Generic concepts have been in great flux, and especially in the last two decades, several new genera have been segregated on the basis of morphological and molecular data. There are 37 species of grammitids known from Mexico, of which 18 species distributed in seven genera (Alansmia, Cochlidium, Galactodenia, Melpomene, Moranopteris, Stenogrammitis, and Terpsichore) are currently known from Veracruz. Most grammitids in Veracruz and Mexico seem to be rare, and occur generally very locally in montane rain and cloud forests, which are one of the country’s most threatened ecosystems and have been widely replaced due to human activities. We provide a taxonomically updated species list for Veracruz and an evaluation of conservation status considering the IUCN regional criteria for each species, based on 132 specimens. About 72% of grammitid species from Veracruz belong to a threatened category, mainly because of a very limited number of known populations either in Los Tuxtlas or central area, whose humid montane forests have suffered major habitat destruction within the last decades or still are under severe anthropogenic pressure.
The neotropical family Marcgraviaceae includes about 140 species of woody climbers. The objectives of this study are to review the diversity of the Marcgraviaceae in Mexico, to map and analyze the current and potential distribution of each species occurring in Mexico. Therefore, a review of 221 collections in 15 national and 9 foreign herbaria was conducted. The modeling of the potential distribution was performed with the Maxent software, using the geographic coordinates of the specimens reviewed plus 19 environmental variables. We recorded Marcgravia brownei, M. mexicana, M. nepenthoides, M. stonei, Ruyschia enervia, Souroubea exauriculata and S. loczyi subsp. loczyi. We also present the first record of M. pittieri for Mexico. The species are distributed in Chiapas, Oaxaca, Puebla, Tabasco, and Veracruz, where they mainly occur in tropical lowland forest and cloud forest. Los Tuxtlas region, the Sierra Norte de Oaxaca, and eastern Chiapas can be considered of high importance for the conservation of the family in Mexico. Despite the alarming rate of destruction of their natural habitats, we consider that none of these species need to be classified under any of the IUCN categories due to their number of occurences in Mexico and other neotropical countries.
We present a revision of the Mexican and Central American species of Vanilla . There are 15 different species in the area; Vanilla costaricensis, V. cribbiana, V. dressleri, V. martinezii and V. sarapiquensis are here proposed as new taxa, and V. pompona subsp. pittieri and V. pompona subsp. grandiflora are recognized at subspecific rank. Vanilla calyculata, V. hartii, V. helleri, V. inodora, V. insignis, V. odorata, V. phaeantha, V. planifolia, V. pompona and V. trigonocarpa are also described, illustrated, and their nomenclature, typification, distribution, and other aspects of interest are discussed. Additionally, we include a key to the species. Several Mexican and Central American species of Vanilla are closely related to V. planifolia, V. x tahitensis, and V. pompona , the cultivated species of the genus, and these are thus important in plant breeding. We also include a cladistic analysis of nucleotidic sequences of the internal transcribed spacer region of the nuclear ribosomal DNA, showing that this popular molecular marker is of sufficient variation to allow for species discrimination, permitting, with some exceptions that are discussed, the recognition of sterile samples and indicating that it is a good molecular marker to infer the phylogeny of this group. The similarity and relationship between V. x tahitensis * and V. odorata is discussed.
A new species, Dracontia hydra, is illustrated and described from Costa Rica. Dracontia dracontea is characterized and illustrated, discussion is given on its taxonomical status, while Dracontia perennis is added to its synonymy.
En Tabasco, la familia Orchidaceae está representada por 105 especies (Pérez et al., 2005), la mayor de ellas habitan en las porciones montañosas del sureste y suroeste del estado en los municipios fronterizos con Veracruz y Chiapas (CONABIO, 2008), donde las diferencias en elevación, topografía y clima favorecen la presencia de la selva mediana y alta perennifolia (Wendt, 1989).
The Costa Rican Dracontia ramonensis is discussed and illustrated. It had been already illustrated as early as 1867 by A.R. Endrés, but only described in 1923 by Rudolf Schlechter. Costa Rican specimens of that species have been misidentified as Dracontia pachyglossa, a species known only from Mexico and Guate-mala. Additionally the name Dracontia ramonensis has been incorrectly applied to an unnamed species from Costa Rica, here described and illustrated as D. lueriana.
Based on a systematic study of the Mexican species in the Tillandsia viridiflora complex, the taxonomic and nomenclatural status of these species is clarified. The former synonym T. macropetala is reestablished as a species. An identification key for the complex species (T. grandis, T. macropetala and T. viridiflora), as well as a complete synonymy and detailed descriptions of the taxa are included.
Presentación
La presente investigación busca ampliar el conocimiento sobre la diversidad y distribución del género Peperomia (Piperaceae) en el estado de Veracruz.
El primer capítulo muestra las generalidades sobre el estudio, los objetivos que éste pretende alcanzar a corto y largo plazo, la descripción del área de estudio y la metodología empleada. Así mismo se describe la morfología, anatomía, ecología y distribución de las especies, haciendo además mención de los trabajos realizados con anterioridad.
En el capítulo 2 se presenta el análisis de la diversidad y distribución de las especies en el estado, mencionando las características distintivas de cada una de ellas y su estado de conservación.
El capítulo 3 muestra las descripciones de cuatro nuevas especies para la ciencia, resultado de la exhaustiva revisión de ejemplares de herbario y de las colectas propias realizadas durante el desarrollo del presente estudio.
Finalmente, en el capítulo 4 se presenta la conclusión general, así como el planteamiento de estrategias y planes a futuro en materia de conservación y preservación de las especies estudiadas.
Resumen general
Peperomia (Piperaceae) es un género de plantas herbáceas con aproximadamente 1,600 especies, cuya distribución principal comprende las regiones tropicales y subtropicales del mundo. Sin embargo, la mayor concentración de éstas se encuentra en Centro- y Sudamérica, donde una gran parte de las especies son nativas de los Andes y la región amazónica, mientras que un número menor se ha encontrado en África, Asia y Oceanía. Comúnmente las especies de este género, se encuentran como plantas epífitas, terrestres o geófitas, mostrando características de suculencia en áreas con una elevación mayor.
El conocimiento de Peperomia en México es aun escaso, a pesar de que es uno de los géneros con mayor número de especies en el país; esto debido a lo difícil de su identificación, existencia de muchos sinónimos y la persistencia de nombres ilegítimos. La cifra actual para el país es de 131 especies aproximadamente, ocupando el quinto lugar de riqueza de Peperomia en el mundo. Considerando la falta de información sobre su diversidad, distribución y estado de conservación, surge la necesidad de mejorar el conocimiento florístico y ecológico, mediante una amplia revisión taxonómica y el análisis de los patrones de distribución actual, debido a la destrucción de los hábitats naturales, ya que muchas especies podrían encontrase amenazadas o en peligro de extinción. Bajo este motivo, en los años 2005 a 2013 se realizaron viajes a diversas localidades y tipos de vegetación en Veracruz, con el fin de recolectar y herborizar material de Peperomia. Además, se consultaron y fotografiaron colecciones botánicas de ocho herbarios nacionales y 36 extranjeros, se revisaron y analizaron 1,721 colectas de herbario con duplicados, haciendo un total de 3,064 muestras, cuya determinación fue verificada. Se realizó un análisis de distribución y hábitat para determinar el estado de conservación de cada especie, especialmente para las endémicas, siguiendo los criterios de la Lista Roja de la UICN. En total se registraron 60 especies de Peperomia en Veracruz, equivalente al 45.8% de las 131 registradas para México. Se consideran 19 endémicas para el país y ocho para el estado, de las cuales 26 especies fueron clasificadas en alguna categoría de riesgo, es decir el 43% de las especies presentes en el estado podrían estar propensas a desaparecer localmente. Sin embargo, el hallazgo de cuatro especies propuestas como nuevas para la ciencia, es indicador de la necesidad de realizar más trabajo de campo y revisiones taxonómicas en diferentes géneros de plantas, sobre todo en aquellos carentes de estudios especializados y detallados.
Dendrophylax porrectus is a leafless epiphytic orchid occurring in Florida (U. S. A.), the Greater Antilles, Mexico, Guatemala, and El Salvador. Previous morphological and phylogenetic analyses revealed considerable variation across its geographic range. This study examines morphological and molecular variation among populations of D. porrectus. Phylogenetic analyses of sequence data of nuclear (nrITS) and plastid (matK, ycf1) regions revealed several well-supported clades within D. porrectus. Molecular data and morphometric analyses of root thickness and floral parts support the recognition of two species within the D. porrectus clade. Dendrophylax megarhizus is described as a new species from Campeche, Jalisco, Veracruz, and Yucatán states of Mexico. A key to the species of Dendrophylax is presented.
A synopsis is presented with a key to and descriptions of the 27 species of Vaccinium occurring in Mexico and Central America, together with their synonymy and a citation of representative specimens. Two species are described and illustrated here as new: Vaccinium campanense Wilbur & Luteyn and V. chihuahuense Wilbur & Luteyn.
Most morphological and floristic studies of lycophytes and monilophytes have been conducted in regions with humid and sub-humid climates, leaving dryer regions of the earth virtually unexplored. Arid and semi-arid zones make up about 50% of Mexico's land area; hence, the objectives of this study were (1) to undertake an inventory of fern and lycophyte species present in a region of central Mexico covered mainly by xerophilous vegetation (Valle del Mezquital, Hidalgo); and (2) to analyze patterns of morphological variation of the species found with respect to environmental conditions. Monilophytes and lycophytes were collected in all vegetation types identified within the study area along an elevation gradient between 1200 and 2800 m. For each species, growth substrate, life form and foliar strategy were recorded, and ten morphological characteristics were evaluated in order to determine their variation and correlation with elevation, rainfall, temperature and vegetation type. The data obtained we...
It is argued that a broad and expanded circumscription of Maxillaria is to be preferred over a narrower one that
necessitates the recognition of many segregate genera. These more narrowly circumscribed genera are often difficult to diagnose, increasing the risk of misidentifications, especially when material is only identified to genus level. The genera of the Maxillaria alliance as recognised in Genera orchidacearum are treated as sections of an expanded genus Maxillaria. Cryptocentrum, Cyrtidiorchis, Mormolyca, Pityphyllum, and Trigonidium are here included in Maxillaria. Criteria for generic delimitation are discussed, the necessary combinations are made, and a key to the sections as well as a provisional checklist of the 634 species of Maxillaria arranged according to section are provided. Maxillaria prolifera is shown to be the correct name for M. pendens. Maxillaria humilis is a new combination for M. gracilis.
Hillia Jacq. is a genus of 24 usually epiphytic species that are distinguished by their convolute corolla aestivation and comose seeds. Based on corolla characters, five subgenera are recognized here: subgenus Hillia (six species), subgenus Andinae C. M. Taylor (one species), subgenus Tetrandrae C. M. Taylor (five species), subgenus Illustres C. M. Taylor (seven species), and subgenus Ravnia (Oersted) C. M. Taylor (five species). Keys to all species of the genus are provided, and those of the first four subgenera are described and illustrated.
Background and ScopeOver more than 120 years of scientific study since Schimper's seminal work, the recognized categories of structurally dependent plants have changed several times. Currently, ignoring parasitic mistletoes, it is usual to distinguish four functional groups: (1) true epiphytes; (2) primary hemiepiphytes; (3) secondary hemiepiphytes; and (4) climbing plants, i.e. lianas and vines. In this Viewpoint, it is argued that the term secondary hemiepiphytes (SHs) is misleading, that its definition is hard to impossible to apply in the field and, possibly causally related to this conceptual problem, that the use of this category in field studies is inconsistent, which now hampers interpretation and generalization.Conclusions
Categories will frequently fail to capture gradual biological variation, but terms and concepts should be as unambiguous as possible to facilitate productive communication. A detailed analysis of the conceptual problems associated with the term SH and its application in scientific studies clearly shows that this goal is not fulfilled in this case. Consequently, the use of SH should be abandoned. An alternative scheme to categorize structurally dependent flora is suggested.