Community structure of flora biodiversity in the Bosque Protector Cerro Blanco

Study Extent

Eight sampling localities were established and visited during the rainy season, between 8 April and 22 May 2022 (Fig. 1, Table 1); temporary plots were established at each locality.

Sampling

Sampling units
At each locality, temporary rectangular plots were established, each measuring 10 x 100 m, equivalent to an area of 10,000 m2. Within each plot, plant species were quantified according to their respective habits (Table 2). To determine forest structure, all trees (estimated height in metres) and lianas 5 cm or more in diameter at breast height (DBH) were measured for both habits; species and individuals of shrub, herbaceous climber and epiphyte habits were also recorded; herbaceous species were recorded by percentage cover.
3. Characterization of the sampled localities
Each sampled locality has been characterized based on the observations and data obtained within the temporary plots, considering the most conspicuous floristic elements in terms of composition and structure.
4. Taxa identifications
For the identification and/or recognition of the taxa, photographic records of the main vegetative and/or reproductive characters were obtained in situ. The identity of the reported species is supported by collections held in the GUAY and QCNE herbaria. Previously collected species have been recognized and recorded, additional collections have been made only in cases of new records, these have been deposited in the GUAY herbarium of the Faculty of Natural Sciences of the University of Guayaquil. Taxonomic identifications were made by consulting the treatments and revisions provided in Flora of Ecuador (Harling & Andersson eds. 1986-1998), and the Catálogo de las Plantas Vasculares de Ecuador (Jorgensen & León 1999). For the Pteridophyta (represented in the study area by ferns) the classification system according to the PPG (2016) is followed, for the angiosperms, represented in the study area by flowering plants, the classification system according to the APG (Chase et al. 2016) is followed. In some cases, the taxonomic authorities of the MO, NY and US herbaria (all USA) have been consulted according to the respective taxonomic groups.

Method steps

1. Taxa identifications
   For the identification and/or recognition of the taxa, photographic records of the main vegetative and/or reproductive characters were obtained in situ. The identity of the reported species is supported by collections held in the GUAY and QCNE herbaria. Previously collected species have been recognized and recorded, additional collections have been made only in cases of new records, these have been deposited in the GUAY herbarium of the Faculty of Natural Sciences of the University of Guayaquil. Taxonomic identifications were made by consulting the treatments and revisions provided in Flora of Ecuador (Harling & Andersson eds. 1986-1998), and the Catálogo de las Plantas Vasculares de Ecuador (Jorgensen & León 1999). For the Pteridophyta (represented in the study area by ferns) the classification system according to the PPG (2016) is followed, for the angiosperms, represented in the study area by flowering plants, the classification system according to the APG (Chase et al. 2016) is followed. In some cases, the taxonomic authorities of the MO, NY and US herbaria (all USA) have been consulted according to the respective taxonomic groups.

N/A

1. MALPIGHIACEAE
   rank: family
2. URTICACEAE
   rank: family
3. DICHAPETALACEAE
   rank: family
4. PRIMULACEAE
   rank: family
5. PLANTAE
   rank: kingdom
6. ASTERACEAE
   rank: family
7. APOCYNACEAE
   rank: family
8. MELIACEAE
   rank: family
9. FABACEAE
   rank: family
10. CORDIACEAE
    rank: family
11. PTERIDACEAE
    rank: family
12. POLYGONACEAE
    rank: family
13. VIOLACEAE
    rank: family
14. SOLANACEAE
    rank: family
15. ARACEAE
    rank: family
16. NYCTAGINACEAE
    rank: family
17. VITACEAE
    rank: family
18. MYRTACEAE
    rank: family
19. RUBIACEAE
    rank: family
20. CELASTRACEAE
    rank: family
21. POLYGALACEAE
    rank: family
22. LECYTHIDACEAE
    rank: family
23. POACEAE
    rank: family
24. SMILACACEAE
    rank: family
25. MALVACEAE
    rank: family
26. OXALIDACEAE
    rank: family
27. CAPPARACEAE
    rank: family
28. ORCHIDACEAE
    rank: family
29. DIOSCOREACEAE
    rank: family
30. ANNONACEAE
    rank: family
31. LAMIACEAE
    rank: family
32. MORACEAE
    rank: family
33. BLECHNACEAE
    rank: family
34. ANACARDIACEAE
    rank: family
35. SAPINDACEAE
    rank: family
36. PASSIFLORACEAE
    rank: family
37. CUCURBITACEAE
    rank: family
38. PIPERACEAE
    rank: family
39. RUTACEAE
    rank: family
40. BIGNONIACEAE
    rank: family
41. ACANTHACEAE
    rank: family
42. EUPHORBIACEAE
    rank: family
43. SAPOTACEAE
    rank: family

A total of 14 plots were sampled in the Cerro Blanco protection forest in 2022 during the rainy season.