Abstract

SOLARTE-ERAZO, Yisela Fernanda; SOLARTE-CRUZ, María Elena; GULIAS-LEON, Javier  and  FLEXAS, Jaume. Physiological Traits of Endemic and Non-Endemic Plants in Páramo Ecosystems. Bol. Cient. Mus. Hist. Nat. Univ. Caldas [online]. 2025, vol.29, n.1, pp.13-28.  Epub Oct 06, 2025. ISSN 0123-3068.  https://doi.org/10.17151/bccm.2025.29.1.1.

Endemic species are restricted to specific geographic regions or ecological zones characteristic of a given ecosystem. The páramo ecosystem is considered a center of endemism, with at least 60% of its flora being endemic. Adaptive strategies of these species to changing environmental conditions may relate to variations in physiological traits, influencing growth, reproduction, and survival. This study evaluated functional physiological traits linked to growth capacity and desiccation resistance in páramo-restricted and widely distributed plants (endemic vs. non-endemic). Research was conducted in Las Ovejas Páramo (Nariño, Colombia), with 14 species: six endemic and eight non-endemic. Measured traits included specific leaf area (SLA), foliar nitrogen and phosphorus content (N, P), desiccation resistance (% recovery of Fv/Fm), and electron transport rate (ETR). Results showed statistically significant differences in all variables, with higher values in endemic species, suggesting thinner or less dense leaves, greater resource-use efficiency, higher photosynthetic capacity, and enhanced desiccation resistance. Non-endemic species exhibited conservative traits, with lower SLA and nutrient concentrations, likely reflecting greater carbon investment in durable structures, reduced herbivory, and increased leaf longevity. Endemic and non-endemic species respond differentially to páramo environmental pressures, with endemics displaying traits better suited to this ecosystem.

Keywords : high mountain; native flora; physiological characteristics.

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