THE 5 MOST REPRESENTATIVE YUCATAN PLANTS - BIOLOGY - 2025

The plants of Yucatán are among the most diverse in all of Mexico, as well as being one of the most affected by human activity in recent years. In fact, Yucatán is home to some of the most deforested areas in all of Latin America.

In this region there are several endemic species; that is, plants that cannot be found anywhere else in the world.

This means that the government of Mexico is putting many efforts to preserve the plant diversity of the State.

The causes of deforestation can be very varied; for example, the exploitation of the soil for agriculture and livestock, construction of buildings or excessive tourism.

Scientists have to study indigenous species to reintroduce them without causing an imbalance in the natural habitat.

You may also be interested in the vegetation of Yucatán.

The 5 typical plants of Yucatan

1- Balché

The balché is a typical Yucatan plant that has been widely studied over the years by the scientific community.

Its importance is based on the ability of this tree to cause altered states of consciousness.

The Mayan Indians used the bark of the balché to produce drinks, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic.

They used them to carry out different types of religious rituals. The effects of these drinks were similar to those of certain hallucinogenic drugs.

Today, this tree is studied for its possible healing properties, although drinks made from its bark are still popular in the state of Yucatán.

2- Yellow Maculís

This tree is one of the most representative of the entire area occupied by the state of Yucatan.

It is characterized by reaching heights of up to 15 meters, with a completely straight trunk and a pyramid-shaped crown.

Due to the striking yellow color of its flowers, it is used as an ornamental plant in many cities of the state.

Its fruits are capsules about 40 centimeters long, with a slightly twisted shape.

Traditionally its wood was used in different constructions and buildings. However, this tree is currently in danger of extinction.

3- purple maculis

This tree is very similar to the previous one, although it has some important differences. They are usually a little smaller, up to 12 meters high, and the color of their flowers is deep purple instead of yellow.

The fruits of the purple maculís do not usually measure more than 10 centimeters, and its wood is also traditionally used to build buildings. However, this plant species is not in danger of extinction.

4- Mahogany

Also known as ceiba, this tree is well known for its wood. It is used in joinery work, as a material for furniture, doors and all kinds of utensils.

This tree can reach 20 meters in height, having a straight and narrow trunk and an open fan-shaped crown. It is not currently in danger of extinction.

5- Mangle

This tree is one of the most representative of the state of Yucatan. It has three main variants: the red mangrove, the black mangrove and the white mangrove.

They reach up to 20 meters in height, and have a straight trunk and very resistant wood.

They are traditionally used to build basic buildings, such as cabins, although today their wood is still highly valued.

References

1. "Native flora" in: Seduma. Retrieved on: December 9, 2017 from Seduma: seduma.yucatan.gob.mx
2. "Wild plants of Yucatán" in: Espacio de Telma. Retrieved on: December 9, 2017 from Espacio de Telma: telmajr.wordpress.com
3. “Technical sheets of native flora” in: Seduma. Retrieved on: December 9, 2017 from Seduma: seduma.yucatan.gob.mx
4. "Balché, the Yucatecan plant that makes the spirit transcend" in: Milenio Novedades. Retrieved on: December 9, 2017 from Millennium News: sipse.com
5. "Common plants of the Yucatan Peninsula" in: Gajos Botanical Garden. Retrieved on: December 9, 2017 from Los Gajos Botanical Garden: losgajos.com