Análisis preliminar de la flora vascular de la provincia de Loja

Abstract

Abstract:This paper analyzes the diversity of existing vascular plants in the province of Loja. For this, 99 floristic studies of vascular plants, from different sources of information such as Herbarium Loja, Ministry of Environment and the GBIF database (Global Biodiversity Information Facilities) were evaluated. 4350 species of vascular plants were documented in the province; belonging to 231 families, Orchidaceae being the most diverse. The similarity and dissimilarity between altitudinal gradients was also considered, which showed that gradients at intervals of 1000 to 1600 m.s.n. m have more similar species; the highest dissimilarity values were recorded in gradients that exceded 3100 m.s.n. Finally, the similarity and dissimilarity in the ecosystems was evaluated, being ecosystems such as: Arbustive Paramo of the Southern Andes, Evergreen Highland Forest of the Western Andes and Herbaceous Páramo, which had the highest values. This work reflects the importance of information consolidation, so that it remains up to date and allows a broad knowledge of the diversity of vascular plants in the region.