Efecto altitudinal sobre la estructura poblacional de Espeletia pycnophylla Cuatrec. en el páramo del Santuario de Fauna y Flora Volcán Galeras (Nariño, Colombia)

Abstract

DOI: https://doi.org/10.31948/rev.criterios/25.2-art5 The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect that altitude generates on the structure and population density of Espeletia pycnophylla Cuatrec in the Galeras wasteland. The sampling was carried out in three altitudinal elevations, in each of which ten squares of 25m2 were established and the number of individuals, the total height and information regarding the state of the reproductive structures of the plant were recorded. The results indicate a negative linear relationship between the height of the plants and the elevation and a positive linear relationship that favors the establishment of juvenile individuals at higher altitudes. In addition, an optimal area was found that favors the establishment of a high number of adult individuals with evidence of reproductive structures. The high representativeness of juvenile individuals and plants with reproductive evidence allows us to infer that this population is in constant growth.