Plants from Beneath Equatorial Andean Peaks 3. Adaptive Radiation and Diversity of Growth Forms in Páramo
2011
Abstract
Vascular plants of Andean páramo are characterized by a striking diversity of growth forms. Cushions, rosettes, prostrate dwarf shrubs, microphyllous shrubs and giant columnar rosettes could be an adaptive re-sponse to the extreme páramo environment (night frosts and drought).
Recent phylo-genetic studies conducted on several groups radiating in páramo documented their ra-pid diversification and the recurrent origins of similar growth forms within a single group.