Taxonomic review of Ceratozamia (Zamiaceae) in the Sierra Madre Oriental, Mexico.

Lilí Martínez-Domínguez,Fernando Nicolalde-Morejón,Francisco Vergara-Silva,Dennis Wm Stevenson

doi:10.3897/phytokeys.100.23152

Abstract

The genus Ceratozamia is revised for the Sierra Madre Oriental in Mexico. This region is one of the biogeographic areas with the greatest diversity of species in this genus. These species are highly variable morphologically and this variability has led to a complex taxonomic history with many synonyms, particularly with reference to C. mexicana. We present a comprehensive taxonomic revision with history of nomenclature and the morphology, relationships, distribution and use of these species. We also introduce a key for their identification, descriptions, full synonymy, nomenclatural notes, etymologies and neotypes as well as taxonomic comments describing relevant taxonomic changes. We recognise fourteen species in this biogeographic province: C. brevifrons, C. chamberlainii, C. decumbens, C. delucana, C. fuscoviridis, C. hildae, C. kuesteriana, C. latifolia, C. mexicana, C. morettii, C. sabatoi, C. tenuis, C. totonacorum and C. zaragozae. This study provides a foundation for future taxonomic work in Neotropical species of Ceratozamia.

Highlights

Ceratozamia Brongn. is one of the eight genera in the most diverse cycad family, Zamiaceae
Given the considerable increase in activities dedicated to the exploration of cycad diversity in Mexico and the unstable taxonomy and nomenclature in Ceratozamia, we present a taxonomic clarification of the Ceratozamia species found along the Sierra Madre Oriental (SMO) from North Tamaulipas to North Oaxaca, which represent areas of endemism for this biogeographic province
Stems of the species here studied are epigeous and erect. They become decumbent with age and may develop two or more apices, with the exception of Ceratozamia latifolia, C. hildae, C. kuesteriana and C. zaragozae, which have semi-epigeous stems

Summary

Introduction

Ceratozamia Brongn. is one of the eight genera in the most diverse cycad family, Zamiaceae (order Cycadales). Considering the deforestation rates in Mexico and historical patterns of botanical collection, Ceratozamia is amongst the most threatened plant groups in the country and the genus is placed in the IUCN Red List (IUCN 2016), listed on CITES Appendix 1 and listed in the ‘Norma Oficial Mexicana NOM-059-SEMARNAT-2010’ (SEMARNAT 2010; Donaldson 2003). The latter is an official document issued by Mexican authorities listing protection categories under which diverse taxonomic groups should be placed

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Conclusion