Abstract

NICOLALDE-MOREJON, Fernando; GONZALEZ-ASTORGA, Jorge; VERGARA-SILVA, Francisco  and  VOVIDES, Andrew P.. Systematic perspectives on Zamia (Zamiaceae) in Megamexico: from alpha taxonomy to genetic barcodes. Rev. Mex. Biodiv. [online]. 2011, vol.82, n.2, pp.341-355. ISSN 2007-8706.

The genus Zamia in Megamexico includes 22 described species and one entity in the species dubium category (Z. verschaffeltii). During the last 2 decades, the genus Zamia has received attention in regional floristic treatments and, outstandingly, in a specialized monograph. Besides, some species in the genus have been the focus of several recent cytogenetic, ecological and population genetic studies. The objective of this work is to present updated information on the species of Zamia distributed in Megamexico, on the basis of a revision of herbarium specimens and fieldwork data. In addition, we emphasize that research is needed in some species complexes, in order to clarify their taxonomic limits. We discuss the need to conduct population-level research with molecular data, according to the DNA barcoding approach. We conclude that the creation of a molecular database that functions as a 'DNA barcodes reference library' for all Zamia species will be useful for systematic aspects, particularly automatization of species identifications, both in the field and in biological collections. At the same time, such databases would be helpful for multiple social sectors that employ specialized taxonomic knowledge -for instance, the forestry industry, customs and conservationist bodies interested in the rapid and reliable diagnosis of species, particularly in the face of illegal trade of specimens.

Keywords : diversity; DNA barcoding; Megamexico; taxonomy.