LAS PLANTAS VASCULARES ENDÉMICAS DE VERACRUZ: ANÁLISIS DE 30 AÑOS DE CONOCIMIENTO

Abstract

Background: Since 1994, five lists and a database have been published that include the endemic plants of Veracruz; however, these lists present notable discrepancies. Question: Which vascular plants are currently considered endemic to the state of Veracruz, and how are they distributed? Study species: Endemic vascular plants of Veracruz. Study site: State of Veracruz, Mexico. Methods: A database of endemic species of Veracruz was compiled from lists and publications from the last 30 years, updating its nomenclature with expert advice and databases such as POWO and Tropicos. Density and species richness maps were created with spatial analysis of georeferenced records. Results: Of the 700 taxa revised, 564 were refined based on synonyms. Of these, 207 are resolved as endemic to Veracruz (203 species, two subspecies, one hybrid, and one variety); 203 have an uncertain status, and 154 were excluded due to records in other states, synonyms, or taxonomic and/or nomenclatural errors. The most representative families and genera in the updated list are Piperaceae, Asteraceae, and Zamiaceae, as well as Peperomia, Piper, and Ceratozamia, respectively. Three areas with the highest concentration of records were identified in Veracruz, and a maximum of 21 species were recorded per pixel. Conclusions: The analysis revealed variations in endemic species due to new collections, discoveries, and outdated synonyms, highlighting the importance of updating floristic lists. Priority areas were also identified due to their high concentration of endemic species.