Pachira Aquatica Research Articles

Immunogold-labelling localization of chlorophyllase-2at different developmental stages of Pachira macrocarpa leaves

Chlorophyllases (Chlases) are housekeeping proteins in plant cells. The dephytylating enzymes can catalyze chlorophyll (Chl) to form chlorophyllide, but the distribution of Chlases in plant cells is still an interesting debate. Previously, we showed that PmCLH2 was a nuclear-encoded gene, and PmCLH2 protein was located in cytosol and chloroplasts of Pachira macrocarpa (Pm). In this study, the antibody of PmCLH2 was made and used by the immunogold-labelling technique to detect the localization of Chlase of Pm leaves at four developmental stages (young, mature, yellowing, and senescent). The transmission electron microscopy results show that Chlases were comprehensively found in parts of the chloroplast, such as the inner membrane of the envelope, grana, and the thylakoid membrane as well as in cytosol, and vacuoles at young, mature, and yellowing stages of Pm leaves, but not in the cell wall, plasma membrane, mitochondria, and nucleus. In short, PmCLH2 was mainly detected in vacuoles at the senescent stage, but a few were found in the chloroplasts. A pathway is proposed to explain the birth and death of Chl, Chlase, and chloroplasts in higher plants.

Morphological characterization of pachira (Pachira aquatica Aubl.)

Pachira is one of the plants that have a fairly high and promising selling value. Characterization of morphological properties is important so that the pachira (Pachira aquatica Aubl.) germplasm is more efficient. This study aims to study and characterize diversity and kinship in order to obtain information about the characteristics of pachira groupings. Pachira’s characterization includes qualitative and quantitative characters. Analysis of kinship using the UPGMA method. The results showed that the level of diversity in the morphological characters of pachira 3 districts in East Java reached 0.33. The results of the kinship analysis obtained 4 clusters with a coefficient of 0.74. Group A consisted of samples P1, P3, P15, P4, and P12. Group B consisted of samples P2, P8, P7, P11, P5, P9, P18, P13. Group C consisted of samples P6, P10, and P14. Group D consisted of P16 and P17. The level of diversity of pachira morphological characters reached 0.33.

Effectiveness of restoration plantings withPachira aquaticain swamps

Tropical freshwater swamps provide essential ecosystem services, such as flood mitigation and control. Land use changes cause alterations in their hydrology, increasing risks of degradation caused by extreme events like storms and hurricanes. We evaluated the effectiveness of different strategies to control opportunistic herbaceous vegetation, as a factor limiting the establishment of the dominant money treePachira aquaticafor the restoration of swamps in the coastal floodplains of the Gulf coast in Mexico.Pachira aquaticasaplings were planted in four treatments: (1) Control (saplings without further intervention), (2) Cut (herbaceous vegetation removal), (3) cutting with Vegetation mulch, and (4) cutting with Plastic cover. The effect of treatments on survival and relative growth rate (RGR) ofP. aquaticasaplings and on the herbaceous cover was measured after 2 years. Costs per treatment were also calculated. Saplings in the Control had the lowest survival (5.0%; only one seedling survived), followed by Cut (35.0 ± 12.75%), Vegetation mulch (70.0 ± 9.35%), and Plastic cover (95.0 ± 5.0%). Sapling height and RGR were similar among treatments. The herbaceous layer cover was reduced to ~30% in Vegetation mulch and Plastic cover in comparison to Control and Cut treatments with ~94%. The most cost‐effective treatment was Vegetation mulch, with almost half the cost of Plastic cover. Our results support the establishment of restoration plantings withP. aquaticato assist the recovery of swamps and highlight the need to include complementary interventions, to ensure higher tree sapling survival and to avoid total restoration failure in this system.

Glucose Induces Thylakoid Formation and Upregulates Green Pigment Contents in Complete Dark Culture of the Angiosperm Pachiramacrocarpa

In addition to angiosperms, most plants are able to synthesize chlorophyll (Chl)-generating green tissues in total darkness. In this study, 140 plants of the angiosperm Pachira macrocarpa were divided into five groups. Among them, one group was grown for 2 weeks under natural light conditions, whereas the others were grown in complete darkness (0 μmol m−2 s−1). Dark-grown plants were then treated with 0~6% glucose for another 8 weeks. The budding and greening ratios, ultrastructure of chloroplasts (ChlPs) of newly developed leaves, and green pigment contents of pre-illuminated mature and young leaves, and totally dark-grown newly developed leaves were measured. Results showed that glucose inhibited the budding and promoted the greening of newly developed leaves. Pre-illuminated mature and young leaves were able to synthesize green pigments during the 2 weeks of dark adaption. Dark-grown newly developed leaves contained high levels of green pigments at 2 and 3 weeks after budding. Green pigments of glucose-fed newly developed leaves had increased, whereas they had decreased in control leaves. In addition, ChlPs of dark-grown glucose-fed newly developed leaves contained both giant grana and prolamellar bodies (PLBs), usually found in shade plants and etiolated seedlings, respectively. The higher the glucose concentration was, the greater the numbers of grana, thylakoids, and PLBs. Glucose increased the green pigment contents and grana formation in newly developed leaves in a dark condition, and the mechanisms are discussed.

Metabolic exchange between pathways for isoprenoid synthesis and implications for biosynthetic hydrogen isotope fractionation.

Hydrogen isotope ratios of plant lipids are used for paleoclimate reconstruction, but are influenced by both source water and biosynthetic processes. Measuring 2 H:1 H ratios of multiple compounds produced by different pathways could allow these effects to be separated, but hydrogen isotope fractionations during isoprenoid biosynthesis remain poorly constrained. To investigate how hydrogen isotope fractionation during isoprenoid biosynthesis is influenced by molecular exchange between the cytosolic and plastidial production pathways, we paired position-specific 13 C-pyruvate labeling with hydrogen isotope measurements of lipids in Pachira aquatica saplings. We find that acetogenic compounds primarily incorporated carbon from 13 C2-pyruvate, whereas isoprenoids incorporated 13 C1- and 13 C2-pyruvate equally. This indicates that cytosolic pyruvate is primarily introduced into plastidial isoprenoids via glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate and that plastidial isoprenoid intermediates are incorporated into cytosolic isoprenoids. Probably as a result of the large differences in hydrogen isotope fractionation between plastidial and cytosolic isoprenoid pathways, sterols from P.aquatica are at least 50‰ less 2 H-enriched relative to phytol than sterols in other plants. These results provide the first experimental evidence that incorporation of plastidial intermediates reduces 2 H:1 H ratios of sterols. This suggests that relative offsets between the 2 H:1 H ratios of sterols and phytol can trace exchange between the two isoprenoid synthesis pathways.

Vascular epiphytes in urban trees in Goiânia city, Brazilian Cerrado

The objective of this study was to evaluate the presence of epiphyte species in trees that compose the urban trees of four avenues of Goiânia city – state of Goiás. All individuals from the avenue median and sidewalks were quantified, all epiphyte host individuals were inventoried and the epiphytes found were evaluated qualitatively and quantitatively. The species Ficus rubiginosa was present in 68.63% of the cases, followed by Ficus luschnathiana (15.69%), Ficus insipida (5.88%) and Ficus guaranitica (5.88%). A total of 84.62% of the hosts are Poincianella pluviosa, 51.92% are individuals of height between 14 and 16 meters and 35.29% have a diameter between 46.00 and 61.99 cm. The hemiepiphytes occurred on Libidibia ferrea, Ceiba speciosa, Albizia lebbeck and Pachira aquatica. The occurrence of hemiepiphytes prevailed on trunk bifurcations (44.23%), branch bifurcation (19.23%), branch hollows (17.31%) and on branches and roots (3.85%). About 15.65% of each adult arboreal in Goiânia city is inferred to hold at least one epiphyte.

Comparative Analysis Of The Functional Properties Of Munguba (Pachira Aquatica Aubl.) And Their Possible Food Alternatives / Análise Comparativa Das Propriedades Funcionais De Munguba (Pachira Aquatica Aubl.) E Seus Alternativos Alimentares Possíveis

The Pachira aquatica Aubl. (Bombacaceae Family) is an Unconventional Food Plant (PANC), known as munguba. The work aimed to carry out a comparative analysis of the proximate composition of the munguba almonds (P. aquatica) and their possible dietary alternatives. The study began in November 2018 at the Municipal School Sister Edith Coelho Netto, in Campo Grande, MS. The research consisted of a qualitative and quantitative study with the following procedures: questionnaire, physicochemical analyzes of the munguba almonds, and the preparation of food recipes. It was observed that 53.73% answered that they had already seen the munguba and 46, 27% reported never having seen it. Of the components analyzed, there is a high content for lipids, with a value of 36.74% and with relevant amounts of carbohydrates (26.17%) and proteins (11.49%). Values for humidity were 3.25% and ashes 4.88%.it. The following recipes were tested: roasted chestnut, bonbon, and salted munguba cream. The volunteers who tried the recipes approved and reported that they should be passed on to the school community.

Sequential green extractions based on supercritical carbon dioxide and pressurized ethanol for the recovery of lipids and phenolics from Pachira aquatica seeds

Pachira aquatica Aubl. (munguba) seeds represent a rich source of lipids and biocompounds with potential for sustainable exploitation. This work evaluated the feasibility of using supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) and pressurized liquid extraction (PLE) to obtain a lipid-rich fraction and extracts rich in biocompounds from munguba seeds. The SFE at 30 MPa/60 °C/120 min was the best condition for munguba seed oil (MSO) extraction (52 g 100 g−1), providing 95% extraction efficiency compared to Soxhlet with n-hexane. The MSO was composed mainly of palmitic (76.93%), oleic (9.66%), and linoleic (8.15%) fatty acids. Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) showed that the SFE affects the crystallization and melting patterns of MSO, which presents a solid-state below 35 °C, regardless of the extraction conditions used. Thermogravimetric analysis showed high thermal stability for MSO (up to 249 °C), associated with palmitic acid’s high content. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) showed wrinkled, globular, and irregular structures on the defatted munguba seed cake from SFE. These morphological conditions helped obtain PLE-extracts with a significant content of total phenolic compounds ranging from 53.66 to 350.29 mg GAE 100 g−1. The extracts also presented in vitro antioxidant activity measured by chemical (ferric reducing antioxidant power - FRAP of 2.04–28.41 mM Fe2+ 100 g−1; inhibition of DPPH between 8.45 and 61.58%), and biological-based (inhibition of lipid peroxidation from 25.47 to 49.45%) methods. This sequential process based on non-toxic solvents is a high yield alternative to recover the rich oil and the phenolic fractions from munguba seeds.

Obtaining high-quality oil from monguba (Pachira aquatica Aubl.) seeds by using supercritical CO2 process

Monguba seeds show high content of extractable oil, approximately 54% (w/w). Literature data have reported the recovery of monguba seed oil using conventional methods. However, the use of emerging and environment-friendly methods should be applied, especially the supercritical fluid process. Therefore, we evaluated herein the effect of supercritical CO2 process (15–35 MPa and 40–60 °C) on yield, fatty acid profile, tocopherols content, and antioxidant activity of monguba oil. The highest global yield (39.64 g/100 g) was obtained by using 35 MPa and 60 °C. Palmitic acid was the main fatty acid, which partially justifies the highest global yield observed at 60 °C. Supercritical process operated at 60 °C, 35 MPa for 160 min showed global yield equal to the Soxhlet method. The use of supercritical CO2 allows the recovery of high content of high-quality monguba oil without affecting the antioxidant activity and the γ-tocopherol content.

Urban forestry in the south area of Rio de Janeiro: the society, the species and the damage to urban infrastructure

Abstract The objective of this study is to inventory the tree species in the urban forestry of Humaitá district, which is an urban-planning model in the city of Rio de Janeiro. We aim to evaluate the phytosanitary status of each tree, potential popular uses and damages caused by trees to the infrastructure. Data collection was based on inventoring the trees on streets and squares of the neighborhood. Trees were identified and classified based on plant health, spinning damage, pavement damage, origin of the species and social use. In total, we sampled 1,203 individuals belonging to 88 species and 32 families. The most abundant species were Pachira aquatica and Terminalia catappa. Fabaceae and Arecaceae were the most commonly cultivated plant families. In total, 67% of the recorded species and 83% of the individuals registered were exotic. Licania tomentosa was the most damaging species to electric wires. Licania tomentosa and Ficus benjamina were the most damaging species to pavement. We conclude that few trees species are damaging the infrastructure. From a biodiversity perspective, there are too many exotic species and a lack of native species, as urban afforestation has strong impact on natural ecosystems of the City.

Nutritional and Phytochemical Properties of Pachira aquatica Seed Grown in Nigeria

The present study investigated the nutritional and phytochemical properties of seeds oils and flours from Pachira aquatica seed cultivated in Nigeria. Proximate composition and phytochemical composition were determined by standard methods while mineral content of the seed flours and oil was determined using Thermo Scientific iCAP 6200 Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometer (ICP-OES) and Agilent 7900 Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer (ICP-MS). The oil which was extracted using Soxhlet extraction method had a yield of 44.43%. The proximate composition of the flour gave carbohydrate 18.12%; moisture 9.74%; protein 19.90%; ash 4.11%; fat 44.43; fibre 3.70%; while phytochemicals showed that phenol was 4.90 mg/100 g; Tannins 0.76 mg/100g; flavonoids 0.68 mg/100 g; glycosides 17.54%; saponins 6.03% and alkaloids 10.68%. Macro-element concentrations from the seed oil and seed flour respectively were 63.55 and 10611.74 mg/Kg K; 22.38 and 628.44 mg/Kg Mg; 67.55 and 4007.86 mg/Kg P; 52.65 and 1387.00 mg/Kg Ca; 17.95 and 35.23 mg/Kg Na. Micro-elements were 4.18 mg/Kg and 24.59 mg/Kg Cu; 4.43 mg/Kg and 40.16 mg/Kg Fe; 1.50 and 9.61 mg/Kg Mn; 2.92 mg/Kg and 25.68 mg/Kg Zn; 2.74 mg/Kg and 15.40 mg/Kg Al; 0.82 ( mg/Kg103) and 2.27 ( mg/Kg103) Ni; 1.11 ( mg/Kg103) and 3.30 (mg/Kg103); 3.55 (mg/Kg103) and 17.19 (mg/Kg103) B; 0.20 (mg/Kg103) and 0.40 ( mg/Kg103) Mo; 0.01 (mg/Kg103) and 0.03 (mg/Kg103) Se.
 Toxic elements recorded 0.17 and 0.85 µg/Kg Cr; 0.18 and 0.23 µg/Kg Co; 0.01 and 0.01 µg/Kg As; 0.01 and 0.02 µg/Kg Cd; and 0.09 and 0.11 µg/Kg Pb for the seed oil and seed flour respectively. The investigation showed that Pachira aquatica seed is safe and nutritious for domestic purposes and industrial applications. The energy value indicates that the seed is a good alternative source of energy and could be taken when energy given food is required as it falls within the recommended energy dietary allowances especially for children. The bioactive properties of Pachira aquatica seed shows that it has medicinal potential worth exploring for pharmacological purposes.

Determination of preclinical safety of oil obtained from Pachira aquatica Aublet (Malvaceae) seeds: histopathological, biochemical, hematological, and genetic toxicity studies in rats

Pachira aquatica is a species used for medicinal and food purposes and has numerous phytochemicals that may have systemic toxic effects and damage to genetic material. This study aimed to evaluate acute and short-term oral toxicity, as well as genotoxic and clastogenic effects of oil extracted from P. aquatica (PASO) seeds in rats and Drosophila melanogaster. The results obtained with biochemical and hematological analyses did not show significant changes in any evaluated parameters when compared with reference values for the species used in the study. Data from the histopathological analysis corroborated results found in this study. These findings indicate low acute and short-term toxicity following oral PASO exposure in rats under the experimental conditions tested. Tests performed in rats showed that PASO did not present significant genotoxic or clastogenic effects on the cells analyzed with the three doses tested. Treatment with PASO in the offspring of HB crossing, which showed high cytochrome P450 levels, did not exhibit genotoxic activity, as demonstrated by the SMART test. These results suggest that products from the hepatic oil metabolism did not show genotoxicity under the conditions tested. Together, the results indicate that, under the experimental conditions tested, PASO is safe for repeated intake. As PASO exhibited low potential to cause harmful effects on living organisms, our study encourages further research aimed at assessing its pharmacological activity, since it is a widely consumed plant.

Uso e aplicações medicinais da mamorana (<em>Pachira aquatica</em> Aublet) pelos ribeirinhos de São Lourenço, Igarapé-Miri, estado do Pará, Amazônia

A pesquisa objetivou fazer um levantamento sobre o uso e as aplicações medicinais da mamorana (Pachira aquatica Aublet) pelos ribeirinhos do Baixo Rio São Lourenço, Distrito de Maiauatá, município de Igarapé-Miri, estado do Pará. O público-alvo da pesquisa compreende onze (11) ribeirinhos que têm maior idade em seu núcleo familiar, sendo de famílias diferentes, tendo históricos do uso de plantas. Foram registrados nove (9) tipos diferentes de indicações e/ou usos da Pachira aquatica Aublet, a qual é utilizada para dor de ouvido, tratamento de colesterol, diabetes, escabiose (“curuba”), inflamação e hematoma nos olhos, “carne crescida” nos olhos e conjuntivite, além de ser usada para tingir redes de lancear
 

Effect of the grass Leersia hexandra on the dispersal, seed germination, and establishment of Pachira aquatica seedlings

Abstract In wetlands, hydrochory is one of the main mechanisms of seed dispersal and there is often synchrony between propagule production and the flood season. Different sources of disturbance can prevent seed dispersal to suitable sites, and if environmental conditions are not adequate for germination and seedling establishment, recruitment will be limited, affecting succession. We worked in a disturbed tropical freshwater swamp where the native grass Leersia hexandra has dominated open areas, creating a grass matrix that surrounds patches of swamp forest. Leersia grows vigorously, forming cushions of dry matter that cover the soil, forming a potential obstacle to seed dispersal. We asked whether the vegetative growth of this grass prevents the entry and dispersal of seeds of the tropical swamp tree Pachira aquatica, thwarting seed germination and seedling establishment, and arresting succession. We set up transects in the grass matrix in two zones: close to the river (R) and bordering the tree patches or fragments (F). We quantified tree seed and seedling presence, survival and growth in situ and experimentally introduced seeds and seedlings in the field and monitored seed germination and the survival and growth of their seedlings, as well as that of transplanted seedlings. There was a negative relationship between the number of seeds and established seedlings, and the distance to river or fragment (r = −0.86, p < 0.001 for zone R; and r = −0.77, p < 0.001 for zone F) and with the grass cushion (r = −0.68, p = 0.005 for zone R; and r = −0.66, p = 0.007 for zone F); the grass creating a barrier to dispersal. When seeds were sown after clearing the grass cushion, germination success was high, so this stage is not limited. The transplanted seedlings had better survival and a greater final height than the seedlings of the sown seeds. Grass cover had a negative effect on both types of seedlings. Seedling survival rates were inversely related to grass cover, showing that seedlings overgrown by grass had low survival rates. Flooding is a stress factor for seedlings and produced mortality, in addition to the effects of the grass. Together, the field survey and the experiment show that succession is being arrested in two ways: (1) by limiting seed dispersal because the grass cushion slows the dispersal and penetration of seeds into the vegetation; and (2) by limiting seedling establishment because the grass competes for space and light. Our results show that even where the grass is native, slower growing, seed‐dependent species may struggle to compete and establish. If grass cover is increasing, these swamps are very vulnerable to a decrease in area because it is very difficult for them to regenerate naturally.

Addition of Pachira aquatica oil and Platonia insignis almond in cookies: Physicochemical and sensorial aspects.

This article investigated the use of Pachira aquatica (PA) fat and Platonia insignis (PI) nuts as ingredients in the preparation of cookies. Seven formulations containing PA fat and/or PI nuts were studied by changing the formulation proposed by AACC, and samples were evaluated considering physical–chemical, microbiological, and sensory characteristics. Formulations F1, F4, and F5 showed higher mass loss and lower expansion factor after cooking. Formulations F4, F6, and F7 presented a greater increase in diameter. In turn, formulations F5, F6, and F7 presented greater thickness. The content of fatty acids varied according to the composition of each biscuit, and formulations 2 and 3 presented the best lipid profile (oleic acid ~32%). In addition, it was observed that the addition of PI almond increased the fiber content (~7.15%). The sensory evaluation showed that formulation F5 obtained a score of 5, proving that the partial replacement of hydrogenated vegetable fat with PA fat and grated coconut with PI almond favored the panelists' purchasing decision. The results indicate that unconventional sources of lipids and nuts can be used without loss of quality in biscuits.

Physical chemical characterization, bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity of Pachira aquatica Aublet almonds

The Pachira aquatica Aublet, belonging to the Malvaceae family, is a tree of variable size, annually produces large quantities of capsule type fruits, in which its seeds remain stored. Even though it is commonly found in southern Mexico and Brazil, there are few studies on its composition. Therefore, the objective of this study is to demonstrate the characteristics of this fruit by means of physical analyzes and to evaluate the bioactive compounds of the almonds in the raw, cooked and roasted forms. Type of research laboratory and quantitative. The almonds showed high content of lipids (above 30%), proteins (above 15%), pH (above 5.66), total soluble solids (above 15º Brix) and total titratable acidity (above 3%). The roasted almond had a higher content of phenolic compounds, flavonoids and carotenoids. In the raw form, a higher content of antioxidant activity, anthocyanins and condensed tannins was obtained. The cooked almond presented intermediate values in all data on bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity.

Power-generating trees: Direct bioelectricity production from plants with microbial fuel cells

Although plant-microbial fuel cells (PMFCs) have been considered as an alternative approach to utilize plants as an energy source, the application of a conventional PMFC coupled with rhizodeposits is immensely limited by environmental factors and plant species. In this research, we suggested a new concept for a device that can directly generate continuous bioelectricity from the plant stem associated with microbial fuel cells (MFCs), in which Pachira macrocarpa and Populus alba were employed. Compared with a conventional PMFC, the novel PMFC coupled with the plant stems produced more stable and continuous bioelectricity without oscillatory behaviour as well as a much shorter start-up period. The stem-coupled PMFCs produced bioelectricity that were operated at least 40 days. P. alba coupled PMFC showed higher power output compared to P. macrocarpa counterparts and the maximal power densities were 7.61 mW m−2 and 3.60 mW m−2 anode surface, respectively. Besides, we explored the response of the novel PMFC to different substrate concentrations and observed that the cell voltage effectively increased after the injection of moderate substrate concentrations. Moreover, the anodic bacteria formed a commensal relationship with the plant.

Characterization of the complete chloroplast genome sequence of Pachira macrocarpa Walp. (Malvales)

Pachira macrocarpa is one popular gardening ornamental plant in East Asia. In this study, we generated the complete chloroplast (cp) genome of P. macrocarpa. The complete cp genome was 157,936 bp in length, containing a large single copy region (LSC) of 88,283 bp, a small single-copy region (SSC) of 21,261 bp, and two inverted repeat (IR) regions of 24,196 bp. The new sequence has a total of 129 genes, including 86 protein-coding genes, 35 tRNA genes, and 8 rRNA genes. Further, phylogenetic analysis showed that P. macrocarpa has a close relationship with Bombax ceiba. This study provides important information for future evolution, genetic and molecular biology studies of P. macrocarpa.

Evaluation of the effects of pressurized solvents and extraction process parameters on seed oil extraction in Pachira aquatica

The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of the type of pressurized fluid and the extraction process parameters on the yield, fatty acid profile, and bioactive compounds of monguba oil. The kinetic behavior of oil extraction was satisfactorily represented by Sovová's mathematical model. The use of n-propane resulted in higher oil yields compared to the use of CO2 with co-solvent. The yield obtained with propane extraction was lower than that obtained with Soxhlet extraction, but with significant process time saving (30 min vs. 16 h). The fatty acid profile was influenced by the solvent type and process parameters and the use of n-propane at lower temperatures (30 °C). Thus, we concluded that the extraction of monguba oil with the use of subcritical propane is a viable alternative resulting in time saving and oils with higher concentration of bioactive compounds.

Patrones de distribución y estructura de la vegetación en el gradiente de humedales costeros El Castaño, Chiapas, México

Introduction: The characteristics of coastal wetlands are the result of hydrogeomorphological interactions between the continent and the ocean, which cause an environmental gradient, hat results in different vegetation types such as mangroves, freshwater marshes, swamp forests and palm swamps. Objective: To characterize the hydroperiod and physicochemical variables of water and soil and their effect on the distribution of vegetation in the Sistema de Humedales El Castaño. Methods: A total of 11 permanent sampling units (UM) were established by defined strata: five in the mangrove, two in swamp forest, two in freshwater marshes and two in the flooded pasture. From May 2016 to October 2017 the vegetation was characterized and the water levels and physicochemical parameters (superficial, interstitial and groundwater) were sampled monthly for: salinity, and pH; and the soil for: bulk density, humidity percentage, and redox potential. Results: Mangroves are the closest to the sea, have the lowest diversity (H: 1.66) and species richness (14), they are dominated by Laguncularia racemosa and Rhizophora mangle, have the highest values of interstitial and groundwater salinity, (> 10.8 ups), remain flooded for 4 to 12 months per year, and have a redox potential of 14.57 mV. Immediately, inland, there are remnants of the swamp forests (H: 2.18 and 18 species), dominated by Pachira aquatica, with 5 ups interstitial and groundwater salinity, flooded from 0 to 6 months per year, with a redox potential of 119.07 mV. These forests are followed inland by freshwater marshes (H: 1.92 and 16 species), dominated by Typha domingensis with 6.1 ups interstitial and groundwater salinity, flooded for 5 to 8 months per year and a redox potential of 125.9 mV. Finally, furthest inland is the flooded pasture, a modified herbaceous wetland for cattle grazing (H: 3.44 and 50 species) dominated by Paspalum conjugatum, where interstitial and groundwater salinity is less than 0.5 ups, it stays flooded for 5 to 9 months and the redox potential is 151.23 mV. Conclusions: In each type of vegetation, the structure, composition, and diversity are different, with a high turnover of species that indicates a gradient defined by salinity. The vegetation in the SHC follows the patterns of typical organization of the tropical coastal wetlands, mangroves, swamp forests and herbaceous wetlands, in this case the freshwater marshes and flooded pastures. The factor that define the distribution of the vegetation is the salinity and the gradient that is observed are a function of the hydrological dynamics that depends on the mixing of marine and freshwater.