Articles
Ornamental potential, sustainable use and some aspects of the marketing of Mexican cycads (Zamiaceae)
Article number
1104_74
Pages
511 – 516
Language
English
Abstract
There are 331 species of cycads known world wide, 55 of which are native to Mexico placing the country second worldwide in cycad species diversity after Australia.
Cycads are a conservation priority group at the national and global level, due to the reduction of their natural populations.
The main causes of the decline and disappearance of natural populations of cycads are: habitat destruction and illegal extraction for private collections and gardens.
In response to this, Mexico has developed sustainable management projects for several native species with the principal objectives of addressing illegal trafficking, habitat destruction and to remove collecting pressure from wild populations.
However, in Mexico the cultivation of these species has been based primarily on traditional knowledge and the horticultural characteristics of Mexican cycads have not been sufficiently explored, nor are fully appreciated as ornamental plants in the country.
Based on ecological studies (specific case of Dioon spinulosum) and their LSQUOdomesticationRSQUO in the National Cycad Collection held at the Francisco Javier Clavijero Botanic Garden we have encouraged the implementation of LSQUOcottage industryRSQUO style nurseries in rural communities as an alternative conservation strategy since 1990, now known as Wildlife Management Units.
Ecological aspects considered in this work support the appropriate use of Mexican cycads.
Furthermore in ornamental nurseries of Atlixco (Puebla, Mexico) 4 species of Mexican cycads are being sold, and in the international electronic market 33 species are being offered.
Unfortunately most of these plants marketed in Mexico come from wild populations and are sold at very high prices.
The regulated production and marketing of these species could contribute to the conservation of natural populations and reduce illegal trade.
Cycads are a conservation priority group at the national and global level, due to the reduction of their natural populations.
The main causes of the decline and disappearance of natural populations of cycads are: habitat destruction and illegal extraction for private collections and gardens.
In response to this, Mexico has developed sustainable management projects for several native species with the principal objectives of addressing illegal trafficking, habitat destruction and to remove collecting pressure from wild populations.
However, in Mexico the cultivation of these species has been based primarily on traditional knowledge and the horticultural characteristics of Mexican cycads have not been sufficiently explored, nor are fully appreciated as ornamental plants in the country.
Based on ecological studies (specific case of Dioon spinulosum) and their LSQUOdomesticationRSQUO in the National Cycad Collection held at the Francisco Javier Clavijero Botanic Garden we have encouraged the implementation of LSQUOcottage industryRSQUO style nurseries in rural communities as an alternative conservation strategy since 1990, now known as Wildlife Management Units.
Ecological aspects considered in this work support the appropriate use of Mexican cycads.
Furthermore in ornamental nurseries of Atlixco (Puebla, Mexico) 4 species of Mexican cycads are being sold, and in the international electronic market 33 species are being offered.
Unfortunately most of these plants marketed in Mexico come from wild populations and are sold at very high prices.
The regulated production and marketing of these species could contribute to the conservation of natural populations and reduce illegal trade.
Authors
E. Salomé-Castañeda, Y. Mayett-Moreno, M.I. Barajas-Domínguez, A.P. Vovides
Keywords
horticultural benefits, native plants, illegal traffic, habitat destruction, natural populations
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