Potential distribution, anatomy, chemistry, and energetic characteristics of Baccharis heterophylla: an ecologically valuable species in the Sierra Juárez, Oaxaca, Mexico

Abstract

The Sierra Juárez de Oaxaca is a privileged region due to its enormous water catchment capacity and remarkable biological diversity. The objective of the present research was to determine the current status of secondary forests in the Sierra Juárez de Oaxaca. Data on the anatomy of the species were described according to IAWA recommendations. Chemical and energetic components were determined using ASTM standards. Elemental analysis was carried out using the semiquantitative technique with an Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Detector. Regarding the potential water recharge zones in secondary forests, the possibility of very high, high and medium water recharge was observed. The values of anatomical, chemical and energetic composition showed a reduced variation in the three sites studied: 8.03 % extractives, 22.52 % lignin and 68.36 % holocellulose, 10.96 % moisture, 96.95 % volatile material, 0.85 % ash, 31 % fixed carbon, 27.16 MJKg^-1 in higher calorific value and 23.90 MJKg^-1 for lower calorific value, the above results show that the wood of B. heterophylla Kunth is ecologically important and suitable for use as fuelwood. In general, it is recommended to pay attention to secondary forests because they are key in the supply of what is known today as environmental goods and services.