Background: Geophytes, plants with underground perennating organs that lose their aerial organs annually, are able to survive in harsh habitats. This life form is common in the monocots that inhabit Mediterranean climates around the world. In Mexico only the northern area of Baja California has this type of climate. Hypothesis: In this study, we recorded the species and distribution of Mexican geophyte monocots to pinpoint diversity hotspots. Our hypothesis is that the highest diversity of geophytes will be found in biogeographic areas with complex topography and seasonal climate not only in the north of the Baja California Peninsula. Data description: Records of geophytes were taken from different sources, collections, taxonomic references and diversity databases. Geophyte locations were mapped in the context of biogeographic and protected areas. Climate preferences were estimated using bioclimatic variables and by a Principal Component Analysis we identified the most significant variables explaining distribution of geophytes. Results: The Mexican geophyte flora is composed of 476 species, approximately 10 % of the total diversity of monocots. Echeandia and Tigridia were the two most diverse genera. This flora is dominated by the taxa of Orchidaceae, Asparagaceae and Iridaceae, and ten small endemic genera were recorded. Geophyte diversity was highest in two biogeographic provinces: the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt and the Sierra Madre del Sur, in dry forests such as oak-pine, seasonally dry tropical forests and semi-arid shrubby vegetation. Three bioclimatic variables: temperature seasonality, annual precipitation and precipitation of the wettest quarter resulted significant for understanding distribution of geophytes. Conclusions: Areas sustaining a high diversity and endemism of geophytes are located in the Mesoamerican Biodiversity Hotspot, in unprotected and threatened areas. Our results suggest that geophytes are able to grow in different climates but in areas with marked temperature seasonality and variation of annual precipitation. Keywords: Balsas River Basin, Chiapas Depression, Echeandia, endemism, Tigridia, Tehuacán Valley, Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt Patrones de diversidad de geofitas monocotiledóneas en México ResumenAntecedentes: Las geofitas son plantas que poseen órganos de perennación subterráneos, las cuales pierden sus hojas anualmente y son capaces de sobrevivir en ecosistemas inhóspitos. Esta forma de vida es común en las monocotiledóneas que habitan en áreas con clima Mediterráneo en todo el mundo. En México únicamente el área norte de Baja California tiene este tipo de clima. Hipótesis: En este estudio se registra la diversidad y endemismo de las geofitas monocotiledóneas en México para identificar áreas con alta diversidad. Nuestra hipótesis plantea que la más alta diversidad de geofitas monocotiledóneas se encontrará en provincias biogeográficas con topografía compleja y variados tipos de climas y no solamente en Baja California. Descripción de Datos: Se elaboró una lista de geo...
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