Martyniaceae

Abstract

The Mexican state of Guanajuato was virtually unknown bryologically before this study was undertaken. To date, 114 moss species and subspecific taxa have been recorded, but this figure seems to be only a fraction of a formerly ricj flora. Agriculture, mining, industry and other forms of alteration may have impoverished the state moss flora and continue to deplete its biomass and diversity. Similar situations are found throughout the American tropics and Guanajuato may be aken as a sample case to understand the effects of sustained environmental alteration in the highlands of Mexico and elsewhere. The floristic list includes two new records for Mexico: TORTELLA FRUCHARTII (C.M.) Zand. and WEISSIA ROSTELLATE (Brid.) Lindb.