Publication at Faculty of Science |
2009
Abstract
Cushion plants are a common growth form in the equatorial páramo and their surfaces are often colonized by other plants. A total of 32 species were found, including five cushion plants, on the study plots on slopes of Iliniza volcano.
Most species preferred to grow on the cushion surface whereas only a few species were able to colonize open ground. Species richness and Simpson’s index were significantly correlated to the cushion area but no correlation was found for evenness.
Presence of cushion plants increases community species richness in the high equatorial Andes.