The Senecioneae in Mexico are represented by 22 genera and about 242 species. Along with Central America, Mexico is considered an important concentration site of species of the tribe. At least 7 genera and 69% of the species are endemic or nearly endemic. Ten genera and 28 species are shared with North America whereas 12 genera and 38 species also occur in Central America. Based on the study of the specimens housed at the National Herbarium of Mexico (Mexico City), analyses of the distributional patterns of Mexican Senecioneae are carried out. Results indicate that members of the tribe concentrate along the Transvolcanic Belt and southern Mexico. The aim of this work is to identify the regions with high concentrations of species (hot spots). Special emphasis is put on the endemic element. The latitudinal distribution of species is discussed, and by using multivariate techniques, new regions for Senecioneae distribution are defined using Guatemala, the Mexican states, and the U. S. states along the Mexican border (Arizona, California, New Mexico, and Texas). With these analyses, the important biogeographical areas for the tribe in Mexico are defined, and its relevance for conservation is discussed.

Key words: Asteraceae, Biogeography, Conservation, Endemism, Mexico, Senecioneae