Tehuantepec Canyon and Coastal Plain with Low Tropical Deciduous Forest and Low Thorn Forest (Bosque tropical caducifolio y bajo espinoso del can y planicie de Tehuantepec) is a subregion in the Southern Sierra Madre, Central American Mountains and Southern Gulf Coastal Plain physiographic regions, characterized by warm to semi-warm and temperate climates, a predominance of tropical deciduous forest, a rugged terrain with canyons and plains, an extensive fluvial network, and significant agricultural/livestock activities.
Zone
Prairie
Common Name
Tehuantepec Canyon and Plain with Low Tropical Deciduous Forest and Low Thorn Forest
CEC Level III Code
14.5.1
CEC Level II Code
14.5 Tropical Dry Forests
Overview
Region facts
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Aliases | Tehuantepec Canyon and Plain with Low Tropical Deciduous Forest and Low Thorn Forest, Tehuantepec Canyon & Plain, Tehuantepec tropical dry forest plain |
| Geographic Range | This subregion is located within the Southern Sierra Madre, Central American Mountains and Southern Gulf Coastal Plain physiographic regions, characterized by warm climates, tropical deciduous forest and low thorn forest, a coastal lagoon system, and rugged terrain with canyons and plains. |
| Climate Snapshot | Climates are primarily warm, with some semi-warm and temperate areas at higher elevations, and most rainfall occurs during the summer. |
| Terrain Profile | The terrain is rugged, dominated by a series of canyons with important plains in the southern part near the Isthmus Coastal Plain, which has an average elevation of 909 ft. |
| Vegetation Cover | Tropical deciduous forest and low thorn forest are the predominant vegetation types, with pine and mixed pine-oak forests found at higher elevations and semi-evergreen forest stands in limited areas. |
| Wildlife Habitat | The Tehuantepec Canyon and Coastal Plain is ecologically important due to its lagoon system supporting the black sea turtle and its mountain areas where species like the Tehuantepec jackrabbit, jaguar, and cougar reside. |
Eco snapshot
Tropical deciduous forest and low thorn forest are the predominant vegetation types, with pine and mixed pine-oak forests found at higher elevations and semi-evergreen forest stands in limited areas.
The Tehuantepec Canyon and Coastal Plain is ecologically important due to its lagoon system supporting the black sea turtle and its mountain areas where species like the Tehuantepec jackrabbit, jaguar, and cougar reside.
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 conditions shift | Add a few early-blooming natives; keep some leaf litter/brush for shelter; avoid “cleaning up” everything at once. |
| Spring | Reliable bloom and nesting sites | Plant or maintain a mix of flowers plus shrubs; leave patches of bare, well-drained soil for ground-nesting bees. |
| Summer | Heat/drought resilience; steady food during hot spells | Prioritize drought-tough native bloomers; water new plants thoughtfully; provide shade structure with shrubs/small trees where possible. |
| Late summer/fall | “Bridge” blooms and energy for the next season | Add late-blooming natives; let some plants go to seed; keep stems standing where safe. |
| Winter or Dry Season | Shelter from heat/dryness; minimal disturbance | Reduce pruning and raking; protect soil with light organic cover while preserving some bare ground; plan next season’s plant additions. |
Keystone plants
Mix early, mid, and late bloomers so pollinators always find food.
Seed mix concept
Spring starter: early blooms that help pollinators find food as conditions improve.
Summer bridge: heat-tough flowers that keep nectar and pollen available through hot spells.
Fall finisher: late blooms that extend the season and help insects build reserves.
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.
