ISHS Acta Horticulturae 523: XXV International Horticultural Congress, Part 13: New and Specialized Crops and Products, Botanic Gardens and Human-Horticulture Relationship
MEXICAN GEOPHYTES - BIODIVERSITY, CONSERVATION AND HORTICULTURAL APLICATION |
| Authors: | H. Leszczyñska-Borys, M.W. Borys, A. Espejo Serna |
| Keywords: | Geophytes diversity, horticultural aplication |
| Abstract:
Mexico is the centre of origin and domestication not only for cultivated, edible species (maize, bean, avocado) but it is also a centre of great diversity and floristic variability of ornamental plants. The geophytic flora of Mexico is rich. More than 100 species belong to four genera: Calochortus, Hymenocallis, Tigridia and Zephyranthes. Many geophytes have the potential to be used as garden plants, cut flowers, pot or balcony plants. Some of them have ecological, nutritional, medical and ceremonial values. Some species are rare and endangered and they need to be conserved and studied. This was a reason to form the collection of Mexican ornamental geophytes to start the selection of attractive types for allotment and community gardening and to develop methods for their propagation. This germplasm may be used in the genetic improvement programme or in an educational one as a "green class" for children. Access to genetic resources and their sustainable use is important. These resources can be used to generate economic development through ornamental and ambiental horticultural activities. They can improve life quality and environmental quality of man. | |
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