Plain with High and Medium-high Tropical Semi-Evergreen Forest is a subregion on the Yucatán peninsula and Quintana Roo, characterized by subterranean drainage, medium-height tropical semi-evergreen forest, and where the principal economic activity is large-scale tourism centered in Cancún.
Zone
Forest
Common Name
Plain with Medium and High Semi-Evergreen Tropical Forest
CEC Level III Code
15.2.2
CEC Level II Code
15.2 Tropical Wet Forests
Overview
Region facts
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Aliases | Plain with Medium and High Semi-Evergreen Tropical Forest, CEC 15.2.2, Tropical wet forest plain |
| Geographic Range | This subregion is located on the Yucatán peninsula and also covers most of the state of Quintana Roo. |
| Climate Snapshot | The region has warm, sub-humid climates with intermediate rains, a mean annual temperature of 26°C, and rainfall generally occurring from May to October, with December through February being the coolest months. |
| Terrain Profile | This subregion is an almost flat area with low relief, elevations under 50 meters above sea level, and is composed primarily of superficial layers of carbonated rocks from the Upper Tertiary. |
| Vegetation Cover | The predominant vegetation is medium-height tropical semi-evergreen forest, characterized by buttressed trees (25 to 35 meters tall) with many epiphytes and lianas, including dominant species like breadnut, gumbo-limbo, and sapodilla, and uniquely featuring Caribbean pine stands in some areas. |
| Wildlife Habitat | Despite habitat pressures, native wildlife such as the jaguar, white-tailed deer, spider monkey, ocelote, and various birds and reptiles continue to survive in this region. |
Eco snapshot
The predominant vegetation is medium-height tropical semi-evergreen forest, characterized by buttressed trees (25 to 35 meters tall) with many epiphytes and lianas, including dominant species like breadnut, gumbo-limbo, and sapodilla, and uniquely featuring Caribbean pine stands in some areas.
Despite habitat pressures, native wildlife such as the jaguar, white-tailed deer, spider monkey, ocelote, and various birds and reptiles continue to survive in this region.
Seasonal timing
Yearly needs
What pollinators need throughout the year, and what to do about it.
| Season | What pollinators need most | What you can do |
|---|---|---|
| Late winter/early spring | Early nectar/pollen; safe shelter as activity ramps up | Add early-blooming natives; keep some leaf litter; avoid “cleanup” that removes shelter |
| Spring | Reliable food and nesting materials | Plant a mix of flowers, shrubs, and (if possible) small trees; provide shallow water with landing stones |
| Summer | Continuous bloom; shade and water during heat | Add mid-season bloomers; water new plants deeply (site-dependent); include some partial-shade flowers |
| Late summer/fall | “Finish-line” blooms; places to rest and prepare for tougher weather | Plant late bloomers; leave seed heads and stems; reduce mowing and trimming |
| Winter or Dry Season | Shelter; minimal disturbance; any available blooms | Keep habitat structure (logs, stems, leaf litter); protect soil; plan next plantings for the start of the wetter period |
Seed mix concept
Start-of-wet-season starter: Fast-establishing native flowers for early nectar/pollen.
Mid-season bridge: Longer-blooming natives that keep food available through peak growth.
Late-season finisher: Heat- or dry-tolerant natives that flower later and help prevent gaps.
What You Can Do
Turn this knowledge into action. Whether you plant a single pot or a whole garden, you are building a vital bridge for local biodiversity.
Join the movement to restore our shared habitats.
Native plants
Agaves are bold, sculptural succulents that store water in thick leaves and thrive in bright, dry spots. Their flowers can be a big seasonal draw for pollinators when plants are mature and in bloom.
Erythrinas (coral trees) are showy flowering trees in the genus Erythrina, known for bold, nectar-rich blooms that can be a seasonal food stop for pollinators in warm gardens.
Inga is a group of tropical trees (genus Inga) known for fluffy, brush-like flowers and long pods. In warm climates, it can be a shade tree that also offers nectar and pollen for a variety of insects.
Milkweeds from tropical Mexico (genus Asclepias) are nectar-rich wildflowers that can add bright blooms and pollinator activity to sunny gardens and containers.
Passionflowers (genus Passiflora) are climbing vines known for their intricate, otherworldly blooms and their ability to add vertical color to fences, trellises, and sunny walls.
Salvias are a big, colorful group of flowering plants in the genus Salvia, with especially rich diversity in Mexico. Many are easy, pollinator-friendly garden plants that bloom over a long season when given sun and well-drained soil.
Wild lilacs (genus Calliandra) are warm-climate shrubs known for fluffy “powderpuff” blooms that can add color and pollinator activity to sunny gardens and patios.
Pollinators
Adults visit flowers for nectar and pollen, and many species’ larvae help keep plant-eating pests in check.
They can move pollen between flowers while feeding on nectar, especially for blooms that open or scent up in the evening.
They move pollen between flowers while feeding, helping many plants reproduce.
They move pollen between flowers over long distances, helping some plants set fruit and seed.
They move pollen between flowers over long distances and help many plants set fruit and seed.
They move pollen between flowers while feeding on nectar, supporting seed and fruit production in many plants.
They help pollinate many wild and cultivated plants in tropical and subtropical regions, supporting food webs and biodiversity.
