Floristic composition, diversity and ecology of freshwater marshes in the central coastal plain of Veracruz, Mexico

Abstract

This work describes the floristic composition, ecology and diversity of marshes along the central coastal plain of Veracruz, from Tecolutla to the lowlands of the Papaloapan River, where more diverse sites were found (highest value in Conejo Lagoon). Eleven localities were sampled and 95 species were recorded (41 families and 74 genus). The classification (hierarchic Beta Flexible) grouped species in nine types and annual hydroperiods were represented graphically for each type. PCA explained 47.81% of the variation and samples showed a gradient in species richness from northern and central sites towards the Papaloapan as well as a soil gradient from Gleysols to Histosols (predominating in Papaloapan). The great variability in species composition and dominance suggests that they form a landscape complex with different combinations of monocotyledons and dicotyledons which should be named popal-tular.

Keywords

• Cyperus giganteus
• diversity
• freshwater marsh
• hydroperiod
• Sagittaria lancifolia