PLANTAS VASCULARES COMERCIALIZADAS COMO ORNAMENTALES DECEMBRINAS EN 12 MUNICIPIOS DE QUERÉTARO, MÉXICO

Abstract

The objectives of this work were to
learn what species of vascular plants are
commercialized in different popular market
places in 12 municipalities of the State of
Queretaro, and also what ornamental uses
are given to these plants. The study was conducted during the first 24 days of December
during the years 2003, 2004 and 2005. We
documented the use of 67 species and five
subspecies, grouped into 34 genera and 16
families. The family Cactaceae had the highest species richness (28/41.8%), and within
this family the genus Mammillaria was the
best represented (10/14.9%). Sixty-one
(91%) of the commercialized species were
obtained from their natural environment.
During the December festivities several
vascular plants are used as ornaments and
supporting structures for these ornaments,
such as Christmas trees, wreaths, tree
ornaments, garlands, nativity scenes and
decorations. The species recorded as having
the most popular demand and therefore the
highest commercialization were Echeveria
agavoides Lem., Echeveria secunda Booth
ex Lindl., Tillandsia erubescens Schltdl.,
Tillandsia usneoides (L.) L. y Selaginella
lepidophylla (Hook. & Grev.) Domin. Five
of the species recorded are in the ‘‘special
protection’’ category and one in the ‘‘threatened’’ category under the Official Mexican
Norm for threatened and endangered species
(NOM-059-ECOL-2001). As a consequence, we recommend the implementation of
cultural policies and environmental education programs oriented toward the general
public that propose the substitution of cultivated or artificial plants for wild species