Diversity of the genus Quercus (Fagaceae) in Mexico

Abstract

This study presents a preliminary list of 161 species from the genus Quercus, all native to Mexico. These species belong to three sections: section Lobatae (red oaks, 76 species), Quercus (white oaks, 81 species), and Protobalanus (intermediate oaks, 4 species). It is estimated that 109 are endemic to Mexico, 47 of which belong to section Quercus, 61 to section Lobatae, and 1 to section Protobalanus. Of all the oak species found in Mexico, 33 of them extend their range into the United States, while only 20 are also found in Central America. The states with the greatest oak divesity are Oaxaca, Nuevo León, Jalisco, Chihuahua and Veracruz. Species widely distributed in Mexico are Q. candicans, Q. castanea, Q. crassifolia, Q. laeta, Q. microphylla, Q. obtusata and Q. rugosa. In general, Mexican oak species grow in elevations ranging form 0 to 3,500 m; however, they are found predominantly between 1,000 and 3,000 m. Knowledge on the taxonomy of Mexican oak species remains incomplete; therefore, further research is needed around this important genus.