EVALUATION OF FLORISTIC KNOWLEDGE OF MEXI CO

This paper evaluates the current floristic knowledge of Mexico based o n numbers of botanical collections, herbaria, and floristic studies. S tatistics reveal that the country has reached a collection index of 11 7, with approximately 2.3 million collections and 71 herbaria. Sixteen floras (3 concluded and 13 in process) cover 70% of the national terr itory. Species included in floristic studies represent 55% of the tota l reported for Mexico. Active programs of botanical collection are sug gested in: (1) conifer-oak forests and deciduous tropical forests of t he Pacific slopes; (2) the ''Sierra Madre del Sur'' and ''Depresion de l Balsas''; (3) areas of the North, where dry scrubby vegetation is pr esent. Taxonomic studies of some of the most diverse groups distribute d in the country, such as Rubiaceae, are still required.