Fitosociología y sucesión en el volcán Paricutín (Michoacan, México)

Abstract

A phytosociologic survey of the current vegetation covering the cone and lava flow of Paricutín Volcano was conducted 44 years after eruption. A cluster analysis of a total of 57 relevés was made using a two-way indicator species algorithm, Twinspan. Four groups were differentiated, which were assembled in vegetation tables and correspond with the following associations: (1) Gnaphalio canescentis-Gaulterietum lancifoliae, (2) Gnaphalio semiamplexicaulis-Aegopogonetum cenchroidis, (3) Phlebodio araneosae-Elaphoglossetum pringleiy (4) Buddleio cordatae-Coriarietum ruscifoliae. A detailed description for each of the associations is provided including physiognomy and floristic characterization, its relationship with environmental factors, its successional position and its conections with the neighboring communities; each sequence is related to the surrounding territory's potential vegetation. Finally, an analysis of the floral richness based on relevés was carried out.