A grass endemic to Mexico, Sporobolus atrovirens, was
identified for the first time as a desiccation-tolerant resurrection plant.
Nine species of desiccation-tolerant vascular plants were found in the
highland area of Mexico, including four species of ferns
(Cheilanthes and Pellaea species)
and three species of Selaginella. Two other grasses
collected were known desiccation-tolerant species distributed from South
America (Cordoba) to North America (Georgia). The ferns
Ch. bonariensis, Ch. integerrima,
Ch. myriophylla and P. sagittata
are newly reported as desiccation-tolerant plants. The osmoprotectant
trehalose which has been recorded as rare in plants was found in air-dry
foliage of representative species of widely different taxa (9–291
µM g–1 dry weight). The flora of
desiccation-tolerant species in Mexico is discussed in connection with its
ability to accumulate trehalose.
Patterns of Beta Diversity of Vascular Plants and Their Correspondence With Biome Boundaries Across North America
