Background:

Linaceae has been recognized worldwide by its agricultural member, the flax; however, there are more than 200 little-explored species that represent an agroeconomic resource with great potential.

Questions:

What is the taxonomic richness and distribution of Linaceae in Mexico? What is the ecological and cultural environment in which it develops?

Studied species:

Linaceae

Study site/dates:

Mexico, 1932-2019

Methods:

A database was generated from the review in herbaria, digital media, and literature. With the information collected, as well as the use and design of maps, the richness, distribution, and endemism patterns were evaluated, as well as the ecological and cultural environment of the species.

Results:

Linaceae is represented in Mexico by 27 native species, 13 of them endemic. The states with the most species were Nuevo León (14), Tamaulipas (13), Coahuila, and Puebla (12). The species mainly develop in pine and oaks forests, soils lithosols and feozem, temperate climates and altitudes above 1,000 m. Xerophilic scrub and temperate forest biomes, along with the Sierra Madre Oriental province, recorded the greatest richness. 18 % of the species register uses and more than 50 % are distributed in regions with Nahuatl and Otomí languages.

Conclusions:

Mexico has 10.4 % of the total richness of Linaceae, several vulnerable species, which together with clear nomenclature mistakes, make evident the need to generate taxonomic and conservation works in the group. The current and potential use of the species reveals its importance as a valuable plant resource.

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