Purpose:

To evaluate the extent of morphological variability of mesquite in the Pénjamo region based on the characteristics with the highest descriptive value.

Methodology:

A set of 32 mesquite samples was collected from 7 localities in Pénjamo Guanajuato. In each sample, 20 qualitative (7) and quantitative (13) morphological characters were analyzed, and the soil type of the collection site was recorded. The data were analyzed by main components (PCA) and clusters (CA).

Results:

The main component and cluster analyzes differentiated the collections into two groups and five subgroups based on the size of the pod and leaf area.

Limitations:

“It is necessary to consider biotic, abiotic, and anthropogenic factors which can contribute to explain the observed variation.

Findings:

The length and width of the leaflet, pinna and pod are the main contributors to quantitative variation, while in qualitative characteristics the main source of variation was the position and arrangement of the spines, as well as the presence of flowers. The location and type of soil of the collection site was associated with the qualitative variation of mesquite.

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