Vascular plants of Pantanos de centla Biosphere reserve, México

Abstract

Background: The Pantanos de Centla Biosphere Reserve (RBPC) is considered one of the most important wetlands in Mesoamerica. The mail goal of this study was to update the list of vascular plants based on the review and integration of all the available information sources. Question: What is the richness of native vascular plants in the RBPC? What is the most frequent growth and habit form of these species? What proportion of these plants species are aquatic? Study site: Pantanos de Centla Biosphere Reserve, Mexico. Methods: The species list was made through a review of literature and of digital collections and herbariums. Results: The flora included 813 specific taxa species, distributed in 462 genus and 115 families, of which 731 native species, 64 alien species and 18 cultivated species. Including only native species, the best represented families were Fabaceae, Poaceae and Cyperaceae. Herbaceous are the most abundant growth form, with 432 species. The terrestrial habit was the most frequent with 440 species, including 63 aquatic plants and 85 hydrophytes plants. This floristic list increases by 15% the native species that had registered for the RBPC. Conclusions: The presented update of the floristic list represents a significant increase in the diversity of vascular plants for the mexican wetlands. This information contributes to the correct decision making for the biodiversity management of the RBPC and to a profound knowledge of wetlands in the country.