A Taxonomic Revision of Espeletia (Asteraceae). II. Updated List of Taxa, Nomenclature, and Conservation Status in the Colombian Radiation

Abstract

Abstract. In this work a taxonomic revision is made of the nomenclature, distribution, and conservation status for the 84 species in the Colombian clade of Espeletia. Taxonomic changes include five new combinations for taxa at the species level that are transferred to Espeletia. Seventy-three species are endemic to the Colombian Cordillera Oriental (including four extending into the Venezuelan side of Páramo de Tamá), six are found in the Colombian Cordillera Central (four endemic to this range, one extending into Ecuador, and one shared with the Colombian Cordillera Occidental), three are endemic to the Colombian Cordillera Occidental, and two are endemic to Sierra de Perijá (including one yet to be found within Colombian borders). Geographic distributions at the páramo massif level are given for all species and subspecies. The IUCN Red List category is listed for each species, with suggestions for recategorization of some species with small distribution areas, low number of populations, and threats to their habitat extent and quality. In all, about 60 species in the Colombian Espeletia clade must be classified within a threatened category. When species belonging to the Venezuelan Espeletia clade that are found within Colombian borders are included, the current estimate of total diversity of Espeletia in this country is 90 species.