Flora representativa de las estribaciones occidentales de la cordillera en la provincia del Cotopaxi

Abstract

This research evaluates the flora status in the western zone in Cotopaxi province, at “Sacha Wiwa” station as sample. Here the diversity, structure, composition of vegetation and phenological characteristics of the flora were determined. A hectare permanent parcel was installed in which samples the species whit more than 10 cm DBH (diameter breast height) were marked and taken, besides samples of herbaceous plants, epiphytes, fertile creepers, and phenological data were collected randomly; 282 individuals corresponding to 42 species of trees that were 10 cm or more DBH; the calculated diversity if this forest is low with only 202 species including herbs, dwarf shrubs, epiphytes, shrubs trees and creepers; around the place 466 species were identified. The most important species in the structure of the forest are: Wettinia equalis, Miconia brachycalyx and Aegiphyla alba. The most predominant species are Arecaceae, Melastomataceae and Verbenaceae. In this place, 63 endemic species were found from which 9 are ‘in danger,’ 10 are in the ‘almost threatened’ category, 20 are ‘vulnerable’. 2 new species will be described Anthurium sachawiwense and A. pucayacuense. Bigger number epoch of fertile species is from October to January. Referring to flora the epiphyte vegetation of the Orchidiaceae, Araceae and Bromeliaceae families stand out due to its number and endemism. Is justified the preservation of the forest and activities can be planned like the catch of CO2, the establishing of a seeds bank of native species, production and commercialization of ornamental species and the development of scientific and tourist activities.