Abstract

NUNEZ-COLIN, C. A. et al. Distribution and eco-climatic characterization for genus Crataegus L. (Rosaceae, SUBFAM. Maloideae) in Mexico. Rev. Chapingo Ser.Hortic [online]. 2008, vol.14, n.2, pp.177-184. ISSN 2007-4034.

The Crataegus L. genus in Mexico is constituted by 13 species for the centre and north, and probably two for the south, which 9 to 10 species are endemic. The possible distribution of this genus in Mexico is unknown, but species of this genus have been reported in 20 of the 32 Mexico states; however, species of this genus can be found in other entities of the country because of the climate where they grow. The present research has as an objective the establishment of the possible distribution of the Crataegus genus in Mexico using a Geographic Information System (GIS) analysis, and possible eco-climatic zones identification where the Crataegus genus species are. The higher distribution probability of the Crataegus genus in Mexico is at the Oriental Sierra Madre, Occidental Sierra Madre, and the South Sierra Madre mountainous zones, also in the Neo-Volcanic Axis. The climatic distribution groups are three: the group 1 has a template climate (Neo-Volcanic Axis), the group 2 a semi-desert to desert one (North and Northeast of the country) and the group 3 a subtropical climate (South Pacific and Gulf of Mexico mountaines zones).

Keywords : GIS; mexican hawthorns; mexican fruit crop; plant genetic resources; tejocote.