San Luis Potosí researcher identifies endemic cempasúchil species

Agroecology engineer Ana Paloma Ronzón García, a graduate of the Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí (UASLP), has identified endemic species of the Tageteae tribe in San Luis Potosí. The research, conducted through the Herbario Isidro Palacios, focused on the Asteraceae family, which includes the well-known cempasúchil plant.

The study identified a center of endemism where two specific species are primarily concentrated in San Luis Potosí, with smaller distributions in parts of Querétaro. These species were located in municipalities including Villa Juárez, Rioverde, Zaragoza, and San Nicolás Tolentino, with fieldwork extending to Tamasopo and Mexquitic.

Beyond botanical identification, the research documented the various uses of these plants by local communities. The Tageteae tribe is characterized by oil glands that produce a distinct aroma, and the plants serve roles in agronomy, medicine, and food. In some regions, the flowers are even used as poultry feed to enhance coloration.