Diversity, Distribution, and Conservation Status of Araceae in the State of Veracruz, Mexico1

Abstract We present an overview of the diversity, distribution, and conservation status of all 54 taxa of Araceae that are currently known from the state of Veracruz, Mexico. We provide a reference list that gives information about overall distribution, endemism, and occurrence in Mexican states and administrative regions/municipalities of Veracruz. For this latter state, we also provide information on life form, elevational range, habitat, uses, and distinguishing characters useful for species identification. We performed an assessment of conservation status at the regional and global level for 51 and three taxa, respectively, considering International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List Categories and Criteria. About 80% of aroid taxa from Veracruz belong to a threatened category, mainly because of the continued loss and fragmentation of their natural habitats caused by the lack of protected areas that include tropical humid and humid montane forests.