Ramírez et al. 2026 (Article) Hechtia, Mexico

Hechtia ghiesbreghtii (Bromeliaceae: Hechtioideae): its identity and origin

Author(s):—I.M. Ramírez M., C.F. Jiménez N., G.C. Fernández C., A.Y.Z. Can & N.R. Flores

Corresponding email:—ramirez@cicy.mx

Publication:—Botanical Sciences 1-13 (first online). (2026) — DOI

Abstract:—Background: Hechtia ghiesbreghtii was described by A. C. Lemaire in 1863 from a staminate plant collected by the Belgian physician and naturalist Auguste B. Ghiesbreght in Mexico (no precise locality) and sent to Europe. The type locality and the characteristics of pistillate individuals are unknown, complicating identification processes.

Questions: Could the binomial Hechtia ghiesbreghtii be assigned to at least one of the populations of the genus sampled by A. B. Ghiesbreght in Mexico before 1863, when it was described?

Study species: Hechtia complex H. glomerata.

Study site and years: Chiapas, Veracruz, 2011-2025.

Methods: To determine the species distribution, the field book of A. B. Ghiesbreght in Mexico was investigated, particularly the itinerary in states where species of the H. glomerata complex (H. ghiesbreghtii is part of this complex) are distributed and collected before 1863. Characteristics of selected populations were compared to the information in the protologue of H. ghiesbreghtii. After determining the place of origin, morphological descriptions were elaborated, using herbarium material and live plants of both sexes. Finally, we assessed the species’ conservation status according to the IUCN criteria.

Results: Populations from Chiapas correspond to the concept of H. ghiesbreghtii, characterized by pseudomonopodial growth, a villous-tomentose indumentum on the scape and flowers, among other characters. A specimen with staminate and pistillate flowers is herein designated as epitype.

Conclusions: Hechtia ghiesbreghtii is reported for Mexico (Chiapas) and Guatemala. The species is classified as LC according to the IUCN criteria.

Keywords:—Chiapas, epitype, Ghiesbreght, Mexico, taxonomy.

Taxonomy:—Hechtia ghiesbreghtii Epitype: México, Chiapas, Municipio Ocozocoautla [de Espinosa], carretera de terracería que va de la carretera federal Cintalapa-Ocozocoautla hasta las Cascadas del Aguacero en la Reserva del Ocote, al SE de la reserva, 16° 45’ 27.01’’ N, 93° 31’ 32.86’’ O, 690-700 m, 10 de julio 2009, G. Carnevali, R. Duno, G. Romero y J. P. Pinzon 7488 ♀, ♂ y frutos (CICY-74395, CICY- 74396, CICY-74397, CICY-74398, CICY-74399, CICY-74400, CICY-74401). (p.6).—Hechtia ghiesbreghtii Considered a good species on its own right (p.5).