Original paper

A new approach on the bioclimatology and potential vegetation of the Yucatan Peninsula (Mexico)

Barber, Antoni; Tun, Juan; Crespo, Manuel B.

Phytocoenologia Band 31 Heft 1 (2001), p. 1 - 31

52 references

published: Mar 23, 2001

DOI: 10.1127/phyto/31/2001/1

BibTeX file

ArtNo. ESP024003101000, Price: 29.00 €

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Abstract

Results of the application of Rivas-Martínez's Bioclimatic Classification System to the Mexican part of the Yucatan Peninsula are presented. A total of 140 meteorological stations were assigned to bioclimatic belts/zones regarding temperature and rainfalls. After these assignments a bioclimatic characterisation of the Peninsula into two major bioclimates (Xeric Tropical and Pluvistational Tropical) is proposed. Based on the bioclimatic results a phytosociological study has been carried out to typify the forest potential vegetation found in each bioclimatic zone. The Braun-Blanquet approach has been used to define the plant communities and superior syntaxa. A new order (Acacio dolichostachyae-Burseretalia simarubae), two new alliances (Colubrino yucatanensis­Burserion simarubae and Mammillario gaumeri-Prosopetum juliflorae), two new associations (Colubrino yucatanensis-Burseretum simarubae and Mamillario gaumeri-Prosopetum juliflorae) and one new subassociation (manilkaretosum zapotae) are stated. According to the bioclimatic and phytosociological results three new chorological Subsectors (Progresian Subsector, Yucatanian Subsector and Petenian Subsector) are proposed in the Yucatanian Sector.

Keywords

phytosociology • bioclimatology • syntaxonomy • endemism • Yucatan • Caribbean-Mesoamerican area • Bursera simaruba • Mammillaria gaumeri • Acacia dolichostachya • Manilkara zapota • Prosopis juliflora