Abstract

VARGAS-RODRIGUEZ, Yalma L. A relict population of Acer saccharum subsp. skutchii (Aceroideae) in the state of Guerrero, Mexico. Act. Bot. Mex [online]. 2011, n.95, pp.11-28. ISSN 2448-7589.

Structure, composition, diversity, environmental relationships, and conservation status of a cloud forest with Acer saccharum subsp. skutchii (sugar maple) are described in a recently found locality at Coahuayutla de José María Izazaga municipality, state of Guerrero, Mexico. Woody individuals ≥1 cm dbh in 10 m/radius circular plots and seedlings and saplings heights of sugar maple in 5.6 m/radius circular plots were recorded. The relative ecological importance of each species was expressed in an importance value. Non-metric Multidimensional scaling (NMDS) ordination technique was used to explore the species correlations with edaphic, geographic coordinates, elevation, and canopy gaps variables. 43 woody species in 0.126 ha were recorded. The families with most species were Asteraceae and Fagaceae. The diametric distribution of woody species showed an inverted "J" shape, indicating successful regeneration. sugar maple is co-dominant with Carpinus caroliniana and Quercus uxoris. Most correlations between presence-absence of trees, including Acer saccharum subsp. skutchii, were with soil characteristics in the population of Guerrero and all maple localities in Mexico and Guatemala. 30% of the reported species are included in some risk category. The fire regime in the zone is a major threat for the persistence of the studied species.

Keywords : Acer saccharum; cloud forest; disjunct species; environmental gradients; Guerrero; Mexico; phytogeography.

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