Riqueza y distribución de la familia solanaceae en el estado de Aguascalientes, México

Abstract

Solanaceae is one of the most economically important families worldwide. Mexico is recognized as a center of diversification. However, so far we do not have an overview on the current state of the family in the country. The aim of this study was to contribute to the knowledge of the Solanaceae in Mexico, by providing data on the richness and distribution of the species growing in the state of Aguascalientes. Derived of the study of 862 herbarium specimens and collections of Solanaceae from Aguascalientes, 55 species (16 new records) in 12 genera were recorded. The largest genera are Solanum (23 species) and Physalis (14), followed by Nicotiana and Datura (4), Bouchetia and Lycianthes (2), and Cestrum, Chamaesaracha, Jaltomata, Nicandra, Nierembergia, and Petunia with one species each. Solanaceae is widely distributed in the state from 1,600 to 3,000 m altitude. It is present in all plant communities, highlighting the semiarid scrub (32 species), subtropical scrub (30), oak forest (28), hydrophilic vegetation (21) and desert grassland (20). Many species grow as weeds, so they are commonly found in perturbed areas. Solanaceae represents the fifth family with more richness of species in the state of Aguascalientes.