Patterns of Richness and Endemism in the Gypsicolous Flora of Mexico

Gypsum soils occur around the world, mainly in arid regions. These harsh environments promote unusual flora with high degrees of endemism. Mexico has extensive gypsum outcrops, but their been poorly studied. However, highest species richness and endemism are expected to be concentrated Mexico’s northern dry To study this its conservation, we estimate how well sampled it is, quantify richness, identify centers endemism, detect which outcrops lie within federal protected natural areas (PNA). We conducted exhaustive literature herbaria reviews generate a database botanical records on soils. The total gypsophyte were calculated using cell grids. Centers identified corrected weighted index (CWE). mapped PNA polygons. most collected sites Cuatro Ciénegas (Coahuila) Santo Domingo Tonalá (Oaxaca), also had richness. Nevertheless, was higher Nuevo León. CWE seven hosts diverse gypsophile despite having only partially studied collected. regions unprotected.