Polylepis
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Polylepis is a genus of trees and shrubs restricted to the Andes of South America. The genus belongs to the Rosaceae family and to the tribe Sanguisorbeae. It is wind-pollinated and can be recognized by its pinnate leaves and a multi-layered, papery bark, the latter feature also prompting its scientific name. Polylepis frequently occurs at the natural tree-line in the Andes and has traditionally sparked controversy among tropical ecologists whether its currently fragmented distribution is natural or the result of human land-use. Polylepis tarapacana is especially remarkable for being the woody plant occurring at the highest elevations worldwide. Remaining Polylepis forests are used for firewood and building material and provide protection against erosion and habitats for endangered animals. In some countries, reforestation measures are underway
The genus has a complicated taxonomic history. Researchers have variously regarded it as comprising 15 to more than 30 species. The last treatment recognizes 26 species.
[edit] References
- Bitter, G. (1911). Revision der Gattung Polylepis. Botanische Jahrbücher für Systematik, Pflanzengeschichte und Pflanzengeographie 45: 564-656.
- Kessler, M. & A.N. Schmidt-Lebuhn (2006). Taxonomical and distributional notes on Polylepis (Rosaceae). Organisms, Diversity & Evolution 6: 67-69. Online supplement.
- Simpson, B.B., 1979. A revision of the genus Polylepis (Rosaceae: Sanguisorbeae). Smithsonian Contributions to Botany 43.
