Contribution to the knowledge of the biological, floristic and ethnobotanical diversity of the Ilaló volcano,Quito DM, Pichincha - Ecuador

Abstract

The investigation was carried out in the Ilalo volcano between the valleys of Los Chillos and Tumbaco, Pichincha Province, Quito DM. Corresponds to plant formations: humid montane thicket and low montane humid forest, altitude between 2740 and 3117 m. Two methodologies were used in the field work: random collections and 0.1 Ha transects. Ethnobotanical information was provided by the residents of the Ilalo hill, through semi-structured interviews and the use of color plates with photographs of plants species. In all the samples, botanic collectis were assembled, labeled, taxonomically identified and deposite in the herbarium, the same ones that were assembled, labeled and taxonomically identified, are deposited in the Herbarium Alfredo Paredes (QAP) of the Central University of Ecuador. Three hundred ninety four vascular species, of 243 genera and 86 families; phylogenetically they are: 2 species Lycopodiophyta, 25 Polypodiophyta, 1 Equisetophyta, 3 Pinophyta, 342 Magnoliophyta (273 Magnoliopsidas and 66 Liliopsidas). According to their habit: 47 trees, 75 bushes, 12 epiphytes, 208 herbs, 3 vines, 4 parasites, 14 sub-bushes and 31 veins; according to status: 299 native, 41 endemic and 47 introduced; the most frequent species according to frequency and IVI in more than one sampling are: Myrcianthes myrsinoides, Geissanthus aff. pichichae, Oreopanax ecuadorensis, Myrcianthes orthostemon, Caccosmia rugosa, Eugenia valvata, Mimosa quitensis, Geissanthus argutus, Miconia pustulata, Dasyphyllum popayanense, Baccharis latifolia, Citharexylum ilicifolium, Phyllanthus salviifolius. Of the 41 endemics species, that represent 11.26% of the recorded species, 18 are in CITES Appendix II, 2 in danger of Endangered (EN), 11 are Least Concern (LC), 4 Almost Threatened (NT) and 6 in the Vulnerable category (VU). Use of 156 species were recorded registered; the common names are a mixture of Kichwa and Spanish and are mostly monimials, the medicinal uses, animal food and human food are the most important; the most used whorls: stem, the whole plant and the leaves. Existing forest remnants, for the most part are disturbed by various anthropic activities, the least outstanding spaces have been allocated to pastures and crops. The floristic inventory includes an illustrated guide of the species, with which we hope to contribute to the inhabitants, visitors of the Ilalo and the public in general to be empowered of this valuable resource for its conservation and proper use.