Sistema Regional de Información
en línea para Revistas Científicas de América Latina,
el Caribe, España y Portugal

Background: Many native orchids with ornamental value are at risk and should be managed sustainably. This country has environmental regulations for the protection and management of its orchid flora place, but the level of implementation and compliance needed to achieve sustainable orchid use remains unknown. Question: What is the level of compliance and implementation of sustainable management for wild orchids in Mexico that arise from its environmental legislation? Study Species: Wild orchids of Mexico. Study site and years: The study covered the entire country, was conducted in 2015-2016. Methods: The instruments of the current environmental policy framework in Mexico were reviewed. The level of operational effectiveness and compliance with this regulation was evaluated through consultations with governmental agencies and interviews with orchid producers. Results: Although Mexico’s environmental regulations align with international treaties, they do not always support the sustainable use of orchids. This is due to legal omissions, regulatory gaps, excessive bureaucracy, and the absence of scientific criteria. Additionally, compliance levels are low, and enforcement actions are inadequate. Conclusions: To improve orchid protection and management, administrative procedures should be simplified, and specific formats for this plant group should be designed. It is also necessary to harmonize and update legal instruments by incorporating criteria based on scientific studies.

Background: We found a flowering population of Guadua near the town of Heroico Batallón de San Blas, Nayarit. Unlike previously known populations of Guadua in the state, all of which appear to be G. paniculata, this population was morphologically similar to G. amplexifolia, a species known from southern Mexico, Central America, and northern South America but apparently absent from Nayarit. Question: Does the Nayarit population of Guadua represent a new species? Studied species: Guadua, Guadua lacerata. Study site and dates: Nayarit, Mexico, September 2023, April 2024. Methods: We did field observations and collected herbarium vouchers, measuring morphological vegetative and reproductive characters in the herbarium specimens and living plants. We used scanning electron microscopy to describe the foliage leaf, lemma, and palea micromorphology. Finally, we completed a conservation assessment. Results: This population of Guadua from Nayarit differed from G. amplexifolia in that it had relatively short culm leaf blades compared to the sheath, with the sheaths shredding from the base with age, highly floriferous pseudospikelets, and relatively short, densely pubescent lemmas. We describe the Guadua comprising this population as a new species named Guadua lacerata. We hypothesize that this species would be listed as Critically Endangered. Conclusions: Currently, Guadua lacerata is considered a new Critically Endangered species endemic to Nayarit, Mexico.

Antecedentes: El mapa de vegetación potencial de México, publicado en 1978 por Jerzy Rzedowski, ha sido ampliamente utilizado. Sin embargo, el mismo autor señala algunas debilidades en su mapa acerca de su resolución y precisión. Pregunta: ¿Es posible mejorar la resolución y precisión del mapa de vegetación potencial de Rzedowski? Descripción de datos: Tipos de vegetación de México. Sitio de estudio: México. Métodos: Empleando como base el mapa de Uso de Suelo y Vegetación, serie VII de INEGI, se aplicó la técnica de interpolación conocida como ‘polígonos de Thiessen’ para asignar a sus polígonos alguno de los nueve tipos de vegetación de Rzedowski. El nuevo mapa se validó con los datos de vegetación reportados para 10,000 sitios de recolecta de Asteraceae, calculando la Kappa de Cohen y otras métricas de desempeño, como sensibilidad, especificidad, errores de omisión y comisión. La misma validación se hizo para evaluar el mapa original de vegetación potencial de Rzedowski. Resultados: El mapa de vegetación potencial producido con los polígonos de Thiessen estadísticamente mostró mejor correspondencia con respecto a los puntos de validación de Asteraceae, en comparación con el mapa de Rzedowski. Conclusiones: El método de interpolación usado fue útil para generar un mapa de vegetación potencial, cuya resolución y precisión son adecuadas para realizar análisis espaciales. La propuesta aquí presentada constituye un ejercicio heurístico que puede servir como hipótesis para apoyar o refutar futuros análisis de vegetación a distintas escalas en el país.

Background: Conamomum vietnamense is a new species discovered in Vietnam with important pharmacological potential. Questions: What are the major phytochemical constituents of C. vietnamense rhizomes? Does the n-hexane fraction have cytotoxic effects against five human cancer cell lines (MCF-7, SK-LU-1, HeLa, MKN-7, and HL-60)? Studied species: Conamomum vietnamense N.S.Lý & T.S.Hoang (Zingiberaceae)  Study site and dates: Loc Bac, Bao Lam, Lam Dong, Vietnam, 2022-2023 Methods: Volatile components and secondary metabolite groups were identified using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis and color/precipitation reactions, respectively. Rhizome n-hexane fractionated extract of C. vietnamense was tested against cancer cell lines in vitro and in silico. Results: Twenty-three compounds were identified in the rhizome fraction of C. vietnamense, where in α-eudesmol (26.84 %), β-eudesmol (15.02 %), cryptomeridiol (14.36 %), γ-eudesmol (6.21 %), eucalyptol (4.38 %), and eudesm-7(11)-en-4-ol (3.11 %) were proved as major compounds. This n-hexane fractionated extract showed a cytotoxic effect against five human cancer cell lines, namely MCF-7, SK-LU-1, HeLa, MKN-7, and HL-60, with IC50 values varying from 59.04 to 172.43 µg/mL. Along with the in vitro activity test, the docking study demonstrated that α-eudesmol, guaiol, and nerolidol showed the most potential binding affinities to human PTPN2 with binding energies of -29.71, -29.29, and -28.87 kcal/mol, respectively. Furthermore, β-eudesmol, guaiol, and cryptomeridiol exhibited the strongest affinity for the binding site with human IGF-1R kinase with docking scores of -29.29, -28.87, and -32.64 kcal/mol. Conclusions: The current results implied that C. vietnamense rhizomes and its dominant components could be a source of therapeutic interest for cancer.

Background: With 615 species worldwide, Mimosa is among the largest genera of the Leguminosae family, and Mexico is the second center of distribution of the genus after Brazil, with 105 species. In recent years, interest has arisen in morphological and anatomical characters of the flower in relation to floral visitors in Mimosa. Questions: What is the relationship between inflorescence type, number and arrangement of flowers on the floral axis? What are the morphological and anatomical characters of the floral whorls that distinguish the Mimosa species? Which is the pollen-stigma relationship, how does it influence the reproductive strategies? Study species: Por favor cambiar a: Mimosa affinis B.L.Rob., M. albida Humb. & Bonpl. ex Willd., M. lactiflua Delile ex Benth., and M. polyantha Benth. Study area: Southeastern Morelos and southwestern Puebla, Mexico. Methods: A comparative study of inflorescence morphometry in capitula and spikes was carried out, to evaluate the merism variability of flowers in anthesis, the comparative morphoanatomy of flowers and pollen aggregations. Results: Statistical analysis showed differences in morphometric characters of inflorescence, flower and pollen aggregation. There are anatomical differences in the flowers such as: various types of trichomes on the bracteole, perianth and ovary; fusion of the stamens at the base; poriform and crateriform stigma; paracytic stomata; striate cuticle in epidermal cells. Conclusions: The species showed morphological and anatomical differences in inflorescence, flower and pollen aggregation, generating relevant information to understand Mimosa’s reproductive strategies although further studies of floral characters are needed regarding the interactions with floral visitors.

Hipótesis: Las especies del matorral presentarán características anatómicas de la madera asociadas con el ambiente árido, como se ha descrito para otros matorrales similares. Especies de estudio: Treinta y dos especies pertenecientes a 23 familias. Sitio y años de estudio: Sierra de Juárez, Chihuahua, México. 2020-2024. Métodos: Se recolectaron muestras de tres individuos por especie y procesaron con la microtecnia convencional para madera. Un análisis de conglomerado permitió reconocer grupos por su similitud. Resultados: Se describe por primera vez 1a madera de 15 especies. Predominaron la presencia anillos de crecimiento, porosidad anular, fibras de paredes gruesas y radios heterocelulares. El análisis de conglomerado indicó que los caracteres cuantitativos de los radios son relevantes para agrupar las especies y probablemente estos radios compensan la escasa presencia de parénquima axial. Juniperus osteosperma fue la única gimnosperma que se distingue por su madera con traqueidas y radios uniseriados cortos. Conclusiones: A pesar de la diversidad taxonómica, las características anatómicas de la madera que se comparten entre especies, se interpretan como convergencias anatómicas asociadas con el ambiente o el hábito. Las maderas de la Sierra de Juárez muestran mayor similitud con los matorrales de California en Estados Unidos que con los de Tehuacán, Puebla, México.

Background: In diverse forests, it remains uncertain whether species composition of seedlings and saplings aligns with that of adult-trees, and whether similarity in composition decreases with greater geographic distance. Questions: i) How do species composition, diversity, and abundance vary across three ontogenetic stages: seedlings, saplings, and adult-trees in Quercus insignis-dominated forests? ii) Is there vertical congruence in floristic composition among seedlings, saplings, and adult-trees? iii) How do environmental and geographic distances influence horizontal floristic patterns? Which environmental variables are the primary drivers of species composition in these forests? Studied species: Quercus insignis and its forty-nine associated tree species. Study site: Sierra de Cacoma Jalisco, west-central México. Methods: Twenty-four 500 m² plots were sampled along a 3.5 km transect, covering a 500 m elevational gradient. In each plot, all adult-trees (DN ≥ 5 cm) were recorded by species, diameter, and height. Saplings (DN < 5 cm) were recorded in 50 m² subplots, and seedlings in eight 1 m² units within each plot. Physiographical and environmental variables were recorded to assess habitat heterogeneity. Results: Floristic composition, diversity, and abundance varied significantly across the three ontogenetic stages according to NMDS and PERMANOVA analyses. Five environmental variables significantly explained species composition patterns. Mantel tests indicated no significant correlation between horizontal composition similarity and environmental distance. Conclusions: The study reveals complex interactions among ontogenetic stages, species distribution and environmental heterogeneity, highlighting the role of environmental variables as critical habitat filters in shaping forest community structure.

Background: Laelia furfuracea is an orchid with anticoagulant properties; however, it is unknown which coagulation factors are inhibited and whether the plant has antiplatelet activity. Questions: Does the hydroethanolic extract of leaves of L. furfuracea inhibit coagulation factor activity and platelet aggregation? Studied species: Laelia furfuracea. Study site and dates: Plant material was collected in April 2023 in Santo Domingo Yanhuitlán, Oaxaca, Mexico. Methods: The anticoagulant and antiplatelet effects of the extracts of L. furfuracea were evaluated in samples from patients with thrombosis through coagulometric assays and light transmission aggregometry. Results: The extract of L. furfuracea inhibited the activity of factors II, V, VIII, and XI in a concentration-dependent manner. The highest extract concentration, 14.0 mg/mL, inhibited about 60 % of factors II and V activity, but ˃ 95 % of factors VIII and XI. Moreover, at a 1.0 mg/mL concentration, the extract inhibited platelet aggregation induced by ADP, thrombin, and epinephrine in 85, 97, and 83 %, respectively. Conclusions: It was demonstrated that the orchid extract inhibits both the activity of factors II, V, VIII, XI, and thrombin-, ADP-, and epinephrine-induced platelet aggregation. Polyphenols stand out among the possible bioactive compounds of the orchid with anticoagulant and/or antiplatelet activity.

Antecedentes: La flora de la Sierra de Quila fue documentada hace más de 25 años. Los hallazgos de exploraciones recientes, en particular sobre Fabaceae, ameritan la actualización del listado de esa familia y así contribuir al inventario general del área. Preguntas: ¿Cuál es la riqueza de Fabaceae, sus formas biológicas y estado de conservación en la Sierra de Quila? ¿En qué tipos de vegetación se concentra la riqueza de esta familia? Especies de estudio: Fabaceae Sitio: Área de Protección de Flora y Fauna Sierra de Quila, Jalisco Métodos: El trabajo de recolecta consistió en 25 salidas de campo con casi 70 días de exploración. Se siguió el proceso tradicional para la colecta y herborización de especímenes. Se realizó revisión bibliográfica y de ejemplares del herbario del Instituto de Botánica de la Universidad de Guadalajara. Para comparar la magnitud de la riqueza de especies con otras áreas, se estimó el índice de diversidad taxonómica. Resultados: Se registraron dos subfamilias, 46 géneros y 140 especies (incluidas categorías infraespecíficas). Los géneros más diversos fueron Desmodium (22), Dalea (11) y Phaseolus (10). El bosque tropical caducifolio alberga la mayor riqueza de Fabaceae seguido de los bosques de pino-encino y de encino. El índice de diversidad taxonómica resultó en 28 especies de fabáceas por km². Conclusiones: La Sierra de Quila resguarda una alta diversidad y endemismo de Fabaceae. El bosque tropical caducifolio alberga la mayor riqueza a pesar de su reducida extensión en el área protegida, por ello las acciones para su conservación deberían priorizarse.

Background: Mexico harbours the highest species richness of Pinguicula, with 54 species. Plants collected on gypsum soils in Oaxaca do not coincide with any known species. Questions: Do plants collected represent a new species? What is its conservation status? How many Pinguicula gypsophytes are there in Mexico? How are they different? Where are they distributed? Studied species: Pinguicula gypsophytes. Study site and dates: Santo Domingo Tonalá, Oaxaca, Mexico, 2023-2024. Methods: A morphological analysis and description were made based on herbarium specimens and living plants. We employed Bayesian Inference and Maximum Likelihood to analyse the regions rpl32-trnL, trnQ-rps16, and ITS to infer their phylogenetic position concerning similar species. The conservation status of the species was assessed following the IUCN Red List Criteria and Categories. Gypsophyte specimens of Pinguicula in Mexico were examined to construct a key. The species richness distribution of gypsophyte Pinguicula was analysed by state, physiographic provinces, and 1 × 1° cells. Results: Pinguicula tonalaensis is proposed as new species distinguished by linear-lanceolate summer leaves, geniculate corolla tube, and without propagules in the apex of summer leaves. Pinguicula tonalaensis is sister of the clade P. heterophylla-P. medusina and together form a monophyletic group. Pinguicula tonalaensis is Critically Endangered. There are 10 gypsophytes of Pinguicula in Mexico. Nuevo León and the Sierra Madre Oriental are the richest. The location of the cell richest coincide with these. Conclusions: The morphology and phylogenetic hypothesis support Pinguicula tonalaensis as new species. This increasing the taxonomic richness of Pinguicula in Mexico to 55.