Pavonia paludicola (Malvaceae), a new record for Mexico

Abstract

Background: Pavonia (Malvaceae) is a morphologically diverse genus with more than 200 species in America of which 32 have been previously reported in Mexico. In a field trip to the Reserva Estatal de Dzilam de Bravo, in northern Yucatan, a population of a Malvaceae species was detected that could not be unequivocally matched with any species known previously in the country. Questions: What is the identity of the Malvaceae species collected? Is it a taxonomic national or regional novelty? Species of study: Malvaceae, Malvoideae, Pavonia. Study site and dates: Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico, 2021–2022. Methods: Botanical specimens were collected and determined taxonomically through the use of specialized keys, and consulting of botanical collections. The conservation status was assessed using the IUCN methodology. Results: The specimens collected at the study site do not represent an undescribed species but instead Pavonia paludicola Nicolson ex Fryxell, which is a new record for Mexico. The species is assessed as Least Concern (LC) along its full distributional range whereas the Yucatan population is assessed as Data Deficient (DD) at this time. Furthermore, we offer a key to the two species of Pavonia in the Mexican portion of the Yucatan Peninsula, the second being P. schiedeana Steud., whose conservation status is assessed as Least concerned (LC). Conclusion: With the report of Pavonia paludicola, thirty-three species of the genus are now recognized from Mexico, two of which occur in the Mexican portion of the Yucatan Peninsula.