Potential Distribution and Medicinal Uses of the Mexican Plant Cuphea aequipetala Cav. (Lythraceae)

Carrying out studies that lead us to obtain information on both the cultural and biological heritage of a locality, region, or country allows us to create appropriate strategies for the conservation of biocultural diversity. In this context, the objective of this study was to model the potential distribution of Cuphea aequipetala Cav. within the Mexican territory, to identify the main environmental variables that delimit its habitat, and to obtain information from traditional knowledge through the medicinal uses that the inhabitants of nearby communities give to the plant. Potential distribution modeling was performed with MaxEnt together with 19 bioclimatic variables of Worldclim plus three variables closely related to the habitat of the species. Data on its presence were obtained in situ within the Lagunas de Zempoala National Park and from iNaturalist. Information on the medicinal uses of the plant was obtained through semi-structured surveys with people who were in continuous contact with it. The potential range of C. equipetala Cav. was 3205.63 km², which represents 0.16% of the Mexican territory. The altitude, precipitation in the driest period, average temperature of the warmest quarter, and average temperature of the driest quarter were the variables that had the greatest effects on the potential distribution (49%), and these factors mainly delimited the suitability of the habitat. C. aequipetala Cav. is still used in traditional medicine, mainly for conditions related to cancer, shocks, and inflammation. Finally, it was found that the potential distribution coincided with the states of the country where its medicinal use was reported. This information is important, since it constitutes the basis for performing actions targeting the conservation of this species of medicinal relevance. For example, potential distribution areas can be integrated into habitat restoration and conservation plans to prevent anthropogenic activities, such as felling, that directly affect the habitat. This information can also be used as a reference to promote the preservation of medicinal uses among the young population of the distribution areas.