Ca��n del Nacapule cuts into the southeastern flank of the Sierra El Aguaje, a rugged
volcanic range about 20 kilometers northwest of Guaymas. Nacapule is included in the
Sonoran segment of the Gulf Coast subdivision of the Sonoran Desert. The bi-seasonal
(summer and winter) rainfall is highly variable. Many plants of tropical origin reach their
northern limits in this region or do not extend farther north in the arid coastal desert
of western Sonora. The vegetation in the canyon resembles tropical thornscrub and approaches
the character of tropical deciduous forest in the wetter and shaded habitats,
while the steep canyon walls and exposed habitats support desertscrub. The Nacapule
flora includes 310 species in 233 genera and 72 families. The most diverse families are
Fabaceae, Asteraceae, Poaceae, Malvaceae, Euphorbiaceae, and Cactaceae. Brief species
accounts and identification keys as well as over 300 color photos are provided for the flora
known from the canyon, nearby Nacapule Spring, and within 500 meters of the canyon
mouth. Verbesina felgeri is endemic to the Sierra El Aguaje, and geographically isolated
populations of tropical genera such as Aphanosperma, Briquetia, Coccoloba, and Ficus occur
in the canyon. Plants not native to the Guaymas region, mostly Old World weeds, are
represented by 19 species, three of which are not established as reproducing populations,
including Corchorus olitorius, a new record for the state of Sonora. The canyon is managed
for ecotourism by the local property owners, restoring earlier habitat degradation. Ca��n
del Nacapule, with 291 native species, provides conservation for 42% of the total native
flora (ca. 700 taxa) of the 532,000 hectares (5320 km2) of the greater Guaymas region.
