Crataegus mexicana

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Distribution

This plant is widely distributed across various regions within the nation of Mexico. It can be found growing throughout the central part of the country in Mexico Central. Its presence extends to the northeastern territories, specifically within Mexico Northeast. Additionally, the species inhabits the coastal and inland areas of Mexico Gulf. Finally, the geographical range includes the diverse landscapes of both Mexico Northwest and Mexico Southwest.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Crataegus mexicana is characterized by its status as a perennial species, allowing it to persist through multiple growing seasons and establish a long-term presence in its habitat. As a deciduous plant, it undergoes a distinct seasonal cycle where it sheds its foliage annually, typically in response to cooler temperatures or drier conditions, entering a period of dormancy before regrowing its leaves in the spring. This rhythmic pattern of growth and senescence defines its biological strategy, enabling it to adapt to seasonal environmental fluctuations throughout its extended lifespan.

Deciduousness :

deciduous

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Crataegus mexicana is characterized by its growth form as a woody tree, which typically reaches a mean plant height of approximately 8 m. As a terrestrial organism, it is neither aquatic nor semiaquatic, and it functions as an independent species without parasitic tendencies. The plant is self-supporting in its structure, lacking the climbing habits of a liana or vine, and it does not exhibit epiphytic behavior, maintaining a strictly terrestrial existence.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Plant height mean:

8 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Crataegus mexicana is characterized by a standard C3 photosynthetic pathway, a common metabolic strategy among many woody dicotyledonous species that involves the direct fixation of atmospheric carbon dioxide through the Calvin cycle. This carbon fixation mechanism is supported by a vascular system optimized for the transport of water and nutrients throughout its structural tissues. Regarding its nutrient cycling capabilities, the plant does not function as a nitrogen fixer, meaning it lacks the symbiotic relationship with nitrogen-fixing bacteria required to convert atmospheric nitrogen into bioavailable forms, instead relying on the uptake of nitrates and ammonium from the soil through its root system.

Nitrogen fixer :

no

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Reproduction

The reproduction of Crataegus mexicana is driven by a complex interplay of biological vectors, primarily relying on biotic mechanisms to ensure successful fertilization and seed dispersal. The pollination syndrome of this species is characterized by a multifaceted approach, categorized under "other" mechanisms that integrate various environmental and biological agents. Specifically, the pollination process involves a diverse array of pollinators, where the primary syndrome includes a combination of wind, water, insect, bird, bat, or other ecological drivers. Further detailing this reproductive strategy, the secondary pollination syndrome is characterized by a highly specialized interaction with a wide spectrum of biological visitors, including bees, beetles, ants, butterflies, moths, flies, other insects, birds, and bats. This broad spectrum of potential pollinators ensures high reproductive plasticity, allowing the plant to maintain genetic diversity and successful seed set through multiple ecological channels.

Pollination syndrome :

other

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Crataegus mexicana has 3 reported plant parts identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include leaf, root, stem.

Leaf

1. Plants (Basel, Switzerland)

Root

1. Plants (Basel, Switzerland)

Stem

1. Plants (Basel, Switzerland)

Conditions

Crataegus mexicana has 3 reported investigations on conditions identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include cardiovascular infections, respiratory infections, weight loss.

Cardiovascular infections

1. Plants (Basel, Switzerland)

Respiratory infections

1. Plants (Basel, Switzerland)

Weight loss

1. Plants (Basel, Switzerland)

Preparations

Crataegus mexicana has 1 reported preparations identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include Raíz de Tejocote.

Raíz de tejocote

1. Plants (Basel, Switzerland)