| Abstract Detail
Systematics Section Bye, Robert [1], Luna-Cavazos, Mario [2], Sosa, Victoria [1]. Etnobotany, geography, and systematics of Datura (Solanaceae) in MegaMexico. Datura is one of 5 genera of the Solanaceae that is endemic to MegaMexico (sensu Rzedowski). The ethnobotany is based upon the employment of specific chemical active principles (i.e., alkaloids). Various tropane alkaloids which provoke delirium have been incorporated in prehispanic rituals that persist to present-day. Medicinally, jimsonweed (or "toloache") uses are associated with its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. An overdose can produce death while a sublethal dosis can induce a temporary disorientation or, if permanent, a condition referred to as "en limbo" or "entoloachado" or "zombi". Datura metel was domesticated as an ornamental. Some species (such as D. ferox y D. stramonium) are weedy and found on most of the continents with considerable variation. New cultural evidence has been interpreted to support pre-Columbian dispersal of 2 species to the Old World. Geographic analysis indicates that the species are distributed naturally in the arid regions of southwestern USA to northern Central America. The majority of the species are concentrated in 3 of the 19 Mexican Biogeographic Provinces: Altiplano Norte, Altiplano Sur, and Sierra Madre Occidental. The latitude, the precipitation of the driest trimester, and the altitude predict the distribution of Datura in Mexico. Conventional taxonomy recognizes 14 species divided among 3 sections established by Bernhardi (1833): 1) Datura (o Stramonium), 2) Dutra, and 3) Ceratocaulis. Though originally considered a fourth section, Brugmansia (tree datura) is the sister genus based upon morphological and molecular characters. Based upon phenetic and phylogenetic analyses of data derived from morphometry, isozymes, and cDNA, we propose that the section Dutra be divided into 2 sections. Broader Impacts:
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1 - Instituto de Ecología, A. C., Biología Evolutiva, Xalapa, Veracruz, Mexico
2 - Colegio de Postgraduados, Botánica, Montecillo, Mexico, Mexico
Keywords:
Datura
Solanaceae
ethnobotany
Biogeography
Mexico.
Presentation Type: Oral Paper:Papers for Sections
Session: 33
Location: Lindell A/Chase Park Plaza
Date: Tuesday, July 12th, 2011
Time: 3:00 PM
Number: 33007
Abstract ID:701 |
