<i>Ceratozamia chinantlensis</i> (Zamiaceae): A New Cycad Species from La Chinantla, Oaxaca, Mexico
<i>Ceratozamia chinantlensis sp. nov.</i>, a new cliff-dwelling cycad species from Sierra de La Chinantla, Oaxaca, Mexico, is described and compared with its congeners. The species is morphologically similar to <i>Ceratozamia zoquorum</i> and <i>Ceratozamia santillanii&...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
MDPI AG
2024-10-01
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| Series: | Taxonomy |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2673-6500/4/4/39 |
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| Summary: | <i>Ceratozamia chinantlensis sp. nov.</i>, a new cliff-dwelling cycad species from Sierra de La Chinantla, Oaxaca, Mexico, is described and compared with its congeners. The species is morphologically similar to <i>Ceratozamia zoquorum</i> and <i>Ceratozamia santillanii</i>, two geographically distant species, yet it is effortlessly distinguishable from its most proximally geographic congeners. <i>Ceratozamia chinantlensis</i> can be recognized based on several qualitative traits, such as its very coriaceous, long, linear to oblanceolate leaflets. Also, it has bronze-colored emerging leaves and mature leaves with articulations of a light copper color. Compared with <i>C. zoquorum</i> and <i>C. santillanii</i>, <i>C. chinantlensis</i> has significantly longer and wider leaflets. <i>C. chinantlensis</i> should be considered a critically threatened species due to its limited number of populations and individuals. Habitat destruction—historically through the extraction of <i>Dioscorea mexicana</i> and <i>Vanilla planifolia</i>, along with ongoing coffee and corn plantations—is an ongoing threat that narrows its distribution range. |
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| ISSN: | 2673-6500 |