Heliconia L.: UNDERUTILIZED GENUS IN MÉXICO

Abstract

Heliconia species in México (Heliconia L.) are distributed in tropical and subtropical areas, with few recorded uses; however, their biological variation is showing ornamental importance as species associated with perennial crops. The greatest diversity of heliconia species present in México was collected for their preservation, study and use. Thirty-two accessions of twelve species were recorded, among them one endemic (H. uxpanapensis), in the states of Chiapas, Oaxaca, Puebla and Veracruz. A wide diversity of colors in bracts was found, and the highest percentage of specimens was collected in the wild, followed by promoted-wild in altitudes of 35 m (H. latispatha) to 1922 m (H. adflexa) and on a soil pH range of 4.3 (H. collinsiana and H. uxpanapensis) to 7.03 (H. champneiana and H. vaginalis). In situ conservation plays an important role in their preservation; however, for their study and use it is necessary to complement with ex situ conservation.