XVI International Botanical Congess

At least 445 species in 22 genera and nine tribes of Cyperaceae are known from Mexico. The family occupies a wide diversity of habitats from the sea level to 3,600 m. The four subfamilies are represented: Mapanioideae (1 genus/1 species), Scleriodeae (2/28), Cyperoideae (17/262) and Caricoideae (2/154). Four genera (Carex, Cyperus, Rhynchospora and Eleocharis) account for 78% of the Cyperaceae. From these, Carex is the most diversified, with at least 150 species. The tropical genera Calyptrocarya, Hypolytrum and Remirea reach their northern distribution in southeastern Mexico, and Uncinia reaches it in central Mexico. One genus (the monotypic Karinia) is endemic, as well as 132 endemic species, 88 of which are regional, some of them narrow endemics, endangered or probably extinct. As for Carex, 83 species are endemic to Mexico, 54 of regional or very local distribution. Areas of endemism identified can be used as indicators in conservation programs.