Rescuing the Forgotten Flora: Proposal of an Ornamental Native Plant Collection for a Botanical Garden in an Industrial Zone

The Metropolitan Area of the Valley of Mexico (MAVM), home to more than 20 million inhabitants, faces intense urban and industrial pressures that have led to habitat loss, fragmentation, and a decline in native vegetation. Within this context, botanical gardens are key institutions for ex situ conservation, ecological restoration, education, and cultural preservation. This study proposes the establishment of a collection of native and endemic ornamental plants in the Botanical Garden of the Facultad de Estudios Superiores Cuautitlán (FESC-UNAM), the only botanical garden located in an industrial zone of Mexico. To design this proposal, we conducted an extensive review of taxonomic, floristic, ethnobotanical, and horticultural literature, with special reference to the Flora Fanerogámica del Valle de México, and complemented it with exploratory field visits. The resulting collection comprises 35 native species across 26 families, including 17 endemic species, all adapted to xerophilous scrubland. The discussion highlights that beyond aesthetic value, many species have medicinal and cultural significance, strengthening the link between biodiversity conservation and social engagement. We conclude that this proposal enhances the dual role of the FESC Botanical Garden in preserving regional flora and promoting sustainable alternatives for urban landscaping in industrialized environments.