Floristic characterization of the Los Lanches relict of the Montane Forest Las Palmas – Chota, Peru

Abstract

Montane forests are ecosystems with valuable endemic species; however, they have been degraded and reduced to forest relics, their floristic diversity is not fully known. The object of the study was the floristic characterization of the Los Lanches relict of the Las Palmas montane forest, located to the south of the Conchan district, Chota, Peru, between 2,800 and 3,000 elevation meters. 30 species distributed in 27 genera and 23 families were identified, Myrtaceae, Lauraceae, and Melastomataceae are the most representative. A mixing coefficient of 0.033 was obtained. The Simpson index of 0.89 indicates high diversity and the Shannon-Wiener index of 2.28. The horizontal distribution by diameter classes presented a trend line of an inverted "J". The Weinmannia elliptica (16.62 %), Hedysomum scabrum (10.26 %), Cyathea caracasana (8.44 %), and Nectandra lineatifolia (6.03 %) presented a value index of high importance. The vertical distribution in height classes presented the trend of inverted "j", observing that 20 % of species are found in the three strata. Hedyosmum scabrum (98.6), Cyathea caracasana (69.8), and Weinmannia elliptica (69.8) present high phytosociological values. The most important in natural regeneration are Hedyosmum scabrum (27.79 %) and Palicourea amethystina (14.77 %). The species with a high value of expanded importance Hedyosmum scabrum (19.24 %), Weinmannia elliptica (11.44 %), and Palicourea amethystina (8.02 %).