REVISIÓN TAXONÓMICA Y DISTRIBUCIÓN GEOGRÁFICA DE EPHEDRA (EPHEDRACEAE) EN MÉXICO

Abstract

This research seeks to determine the number of species of Ephedra in Mexico and their distributions in the national territory. Eight species of Ephedra are distributed in North and Central Mexico: Ephedra antisyphilitica, E. aspera, E. californica, E. compacta, E. nevadensis, E. pedunculata, E. torreyana and E. trifurca. Ephedra compacta is the only species endemic to Mexico and the one with the most widely distribution over the country. A key, descriptions for each of the species, and distribution maps are presented. Ephedra species are found between 0 and 2800 m above sea level, mostly in xerophytic scrublands, grasslands, and thorn forests.