AN IN-SITU STUDY OF MAGNOLIA-DEALBATA ZUCC IN VERACRUZ STATE - AN ENDANGERED ENDEMIC TREE OF MEXICO

Magnolia dealbata Zucc. is an endangered species as a result of habita t destruction. A population in central Veracruz was studied to determi ne in which of two disturbed habitats (secondary succession forest and grassland) where M. dealbata grows the tree showed better survival. I ts spatial distribution was recorded from the two habitats. Density an d productivity were recorded over a period of 1 year, and spatial dist ribution was found to be non-random at p<0.001 for both habitats. The scales of pattern detected were inferred to be caused by gravity-dispe rsed seeds germinating close to the mother trees. A higher number of i ndividuals, with higher flower and fruit production, was recorded in t he secondary succession forest habitat, and it appears that M. dealbat a has also adapted, but to a lesser extent, to pasture-land habitats. Overall natural regeneration from seed is considered low, and its long -term survival could be assured in the secondary succession habitat pr oviding clear cutting is not practiced.