Mexico Flora and Fauna

In this section we will summarize some of the characteristics of the most prominent Mexico flora and fauna, to learn more about the surprising nature of the North American country:

• The distribution of Mexico’s flora and fauna by regions is classified by its extremely varied ecosystemssuch as: wet jungles, dry forests, deserts, forests, thickets, grasslands and marine regions.
• Within plant species there are both Aquatic plants like landwith a wide variety of species of timber and non -timber forest interest, as well as agricultural fields and protected natural areas.
• Mexico’s fauna stands out for its surprising variety, both Invertebrates that flood the jungles, as of great Terrestrial and aquatic vertebratesmany of them endemic to the country, such as the marine vaquita.

Once the general characteristics are seen, we talk about Mexico’s flora. Although there is currently no complete inventory of Mexico’s flora, estimates suggest that there are between 18,000 and 30,000 Plant species from Mexico. Let’s see in this section some of them:

Yoloxochitl (Mexican Magnolia)

The typical vegetation of Mexico is the imposing magnolias, which have been for 125 million years. Specifically, the Yoloxochitl, is very famous in the country, since, in Moctezuma times it was one of the most characteristic ornamental trees, used both by its appearance and its aromatic and healing properties.

Biznaga (MAMMILLARIA spp.)

Biznaga is called those cacti who are shaped like a barrel, and within them, there are different genres. Mammilaria It is one of the most prominent and abundant within the wide variety of Mexican cactus. They are characterized by their slow but long growth, as well as by inhabiting the most arid and extensive regions of northern and central Mexico. They also stand out because they produce a crown of flowers, in bright colors.

Corn (Zea mays)

Cereals are some of the most cultivated vegetables in Mexico, among which corn stands out. Very used in traditional Mexican cuisine, the various varieties of corn are consumed by their nutritional values, being currently considered cereal with greater production worldwide.

Candelabro cactus (Stenocereus Dumortieri)

It is a cacti that grows in columnar and that forks, similar to a candlestick, to reach 7 meters high. It is endemic to central Mexico and is of great value for pollinators such as hummingbirds or bats, which are attracted to its large flowers. These fire a sweet aroma similar to jasmine, and when maturing they give edible fruits.

Guava (PSIDIUM GUAJAVA)

La Guayaba is a plant that gives fruit and is native to the tropical areas of America. The fruits are produced from a clear bark tree, and white flowers. When these are pollinated, the fruits they give are small size, with abundant seeds inside, and pulp that can be white or pink. In addition to its rich flavor, they are a great source of vitamin C. Mexico is the main producer worldwide that exports the fruits, but also has value as a shadow plant in coffee crops.

Alwaysvivas (Echeveria spp.)

These plants are succulent, also known as Echeverías, highly valued for gardening, because they offer a very beautiful pastel color palette and are easy to care for. They are endemic to arid environments, as they have the capacity to store water in their tissues, and produce a dust called Pruina that works as sunscreen. Its leaves are accommodated in rosettes, and the flowers occur in a high floral stem in the form of small flashlights of bright warm colors. His scientific name was given in honor of a Mexican botanical illustrator, Atanasio Echeverría and Godoy.

More flora from Mexico

• Whip flower (APOROCTUS SPP.).
• Cactus of the old man (Cephacereus spp.).
• White oak (Arizonica Quercus).
• Common junction (Juniperus communis).
• Venus navel (Umbilicus rupestris).
• Oyamel de Juárez (ABIES HICKELII).
• Jalisco pine (Pinus Jaliscana).
• Pino Piñonero Llorón (Pinus brushana).
• Guadalupe palm (Brahea Edulis).
• Soyate de Tehuantepec (Beaucronea Stricta).

Do you want to learn more about some of the Animals from Mexico more surprising? Continue reading this section to discover them in detail:

Monarch butterfly (Danous Plexippus)

Commonly known as monarch butterfly, the species Danous Plexippus It is undoubtedly one of the star invertebrates in Mexico. His amazing migrations from the United States and Canada to Mexico every year, and their colorful orange wings, they call the attention of millions of people who visit the amazing biosphere reserve “Mariposa Monarchs Santuario” to see them more closely.

We recommend this other article on why the monarch butterfly is in danger of extinction.

Quetzal (Pharomacrus mocinno)

The emblematic Quetzal is one of the most majestic and venerated birds in Mexico, as well as in other countries in Central America. Despite the admiration shown by Mexican local populations and tribes towards this colorful bird, there are currently many threats that place quetzal in danger of extinction.

Know more about one of the most amazing Mexican animals reading this other article about why the quetzal in Mexico is in danger of extinction.

Central American or Northern Tapir (Tapirus Bairdii)

They are large herbivores that inhabit the jungles of southern Mexico to Central America, reaching 2 meters in length and up to 300 kilograms of weight, which makes them the largest terrestrial mammal in the area. It is recognized because it has a pronounced snout, and a couple of round ears.

Here you can know why the tapir is in danger of extinction.

Axolot (Ambystoma Mexicanum)

Ajolote is one of the preferred Mexican animals, for its sympathetic but enigmatic aspect. He has small eyes, and seems to smile. His name in Nahuatl, pre -Hispanic language, means water monster, and it was already known and appreciated since those times.

It is an amphibian that maintains its youth state throughout its life, which in addition to a peculiar aspect gives it the ability to regenerate any part of its body. It has the gills exposed to breathe, and moves with its four limbs. They are brown, but the most popular form is melin, which are white.

Unfortunately, it is in serious danger of extinction, and its distribution space is extremely small. Only inhabits Xochimilco channels, within Mexico City. While it is a very protected species, it faces many pressures.

Here you can discover more curious data from the axolot.

Mexican Espinosa iguana (CtenoSaura pectinata)

Also known as Mexican spiny tail or black iguana, it is a robust reptile that measures 1.2 meters long. As its name suggests, it has the coated tail of thorns that extend to the neck. His scales form stripes of brown and black chores. It is endemic to the entire west coast of Mexico, where she climbs by rocks or trees to sunbathe.

It used to be marketed as a pet, to the point that came to the United States to become an invasive kind for owners who released them. It is currently protected by Mexican law to avoid trade, and also hunt to obtain its meat, which is prepared as a dish in certain regions.

Cozumel Mapache (Procyon Pygmaeus)

It is the smallest Mapache in the world, with 60 centimeters long. It is endemic to the island of Cozumel, which is why its dwarf shows. Although 60 centimeters do not look like something very small, this pigmeo mapache is 18% smaller, and 45% lighter than the rest of the Mapaches.

Sadly, it is in danger of extinction due to the increase in tourism on the island and what it entails.

More fauna from Mexico

• Real eagle (Aquila Chrysaetos).
• Crab of the ravines (Pseudothelphusa Dugesi).
• Tarantula of the Federal District (Hemirrhagus Chilango).
• Charal de Alchichica (Poblana Alchichica).
• Yucatecan sardinilla (Fundulus Persimilis).
• Cecilia Oaxagueña (Dermophis Oaxacae).
• Frog of the Sierra Madre Occidental (Lithobates Sierramadrensis).
• Salamadra de la Sierra de Juárez (Cryptotriton Adeos).
• Large crest toad (Bufo Cristatus).
• Dwarf chara (Cyanolyca Nana).
• Tamaulipeco tecolote (Glaucidium Sanchezi).
• Orejón trogón (Euptilotis Neoxenus).
• Serrano Sparrow (Xenospiza Baileyi).
• Mountain Nauyaca (Zeroophidion Barbouri).
• Balsas coral (Laticollaris micrurus).
• Four ciénegas turtle (Terrapene Coahuila).
• Mexican Pigmea Case (Crotalus Ravus).
• SANTERA BURCIEGUE (Musonycteris Harrisoni).
• Marina Vaquita (PHocoena Sinus).
• Pigmeo Zorrillo (Spilogale Pymaa).

Next, we will see a list with many of the main species of animals that are currently in danger of extinction in Mexicoaccording to the red list of threatened species of the UICN of Mexico:

• Mexican ajolote.
• Amazon or yellow header.
• Imperial carpenter or Cuauhtotomomi.
• Rabbit scrubland of San José Island.
• Guerrero flirtatious.
• Bunny of the volcanoes or teporingo.
• Red Guacamayo.
• Jaguar.
• Mexican gray wolf.
• Manati of the Caribbean.
• Transvolcanic mask.
• Mapache Pigmeo or Cozumel.
• Musaraña de los Tuxtlas.
• Ocelot.
• Black bear.
• Towsend brown.
• Tequila peck.
• Greater Fesgona frog.
• Quetzal.
• Central American tapir.
• Boba or Caguama turtle.
• Turtle of the Mexican Bag or Turtle.
• Tuza de Xuchil or Lanuda.
• Marina Vaquita.

If you want to learn more, here you can discover 25 animals in danger of extinction in Mexico.

If you want to read more articles similar to Mexico Flora and Faunawe recommend that you enter our biodiversity category.