Seeds size and germination of pernettya prostrata (Ericaceae): A species from the andean paramo

Abstract

The Andean paramos are ecosystems with a high degree of endemism but strongly threatened due environmental changes and anthropic factors. Studies carried out in Ecuadorian paramo have focused on knowing the patterns of floristic diversity, understudying ecology and biology of seeds. The present work is one of the first experiences that evaluates seed size and germinative behavior among individuals of Pernettya prostrata in a paramo from southern Ecuador. It was identified that the seeds are between 0.6 to 0.8 mm long and 0.5 to 0.7 mm wide, with a germination rate of less than 50%. Identifying aspects of seed morphophysiology contributes to improving knowledge about the ecophysiology of the vegetation of the Andean paramos.