The northern part of the S-American cordillera is relatively humid. Its uplands lack the dry interior and altiplano which is so typical of the southern Andes. Relicts of Polylepis sericea forests up to 4100 m indicate that much of today's "páramos" is man made (fire and grazing).

1 - Pico Bolivar with its glacier (5007 m) near the city of Merida.

2 - Arcytophyllum caracasanum (Rubiaceae), Espeletia schulzii and Valeriana pauciflora dominate the páramos near the treeline.

3 - Succulent Echevaria venezuelensis (Crassulaceae; see Mexico) and Castillea fissifolia (Scrophulariaceae; see Rocky Mts.) in the background (4050 m).

4 - Pernettya elliptica (Ericaceae)

5 - Gentiana nevadensis (Gentianaceae) (Bolivar, 4120 m)

6 - Malvestrum acaule (Malvaceae)

7 - Lobelia tenera (Campanulaceae) (3900 m). Compare their giant relatives in equatorial Africa.

8 - Tall herb fields: Senecio formosum (Asteraceae) (Paso Aguila, 4100 m).

9 - Hypericum laricifolium (Hypericaceae) (4100 m)

10 - Lupinus meridanus (Fabaceae)

11 - Espeletia sp. (Asteraceae) (near Paso Aguila, 4250 m)

12 - Espeletia timotensis (Asteraceae) (3900 m)

13 - A giant Espeletia (Asteraceae) cut: Note the stem is protected by a thick coat of dead leaf bases.

29 August 2011
© ALPECOLe 2002-2007