Andes Flora: 3600 to 4200m
The Ecuadorian “paramos” occupy elevations between 3600 and 4400 meters; the predominant species is the “pajonal” (Calamagrostis intermedia); when mature it can surpass the meter of height. Among the “pajonales” appears all kinds of Andean vegetation, most of them creepers and a few grow as shrubs.
Calamagrostis intermedia
Pajonal
Ruco Pichincha. Pajonal in flower, 4130 meters
Puya sp
Achupalla
Mojada Lagoons. Way to the Yanahurco summit, 4125 meters
Polylepis sp.
Árbol de papel
The Illinizas. Hiking to the Illinizas refuge, 4080 meters
Erygium humile
n/a
Ruco Pichincha. Paramo path, 3980 meters
Gynoxys sp.
Yagual
Rumiñahui Volcano. Limpiopungo Lagoon, 4050 meters
Plantago rigida
Almohadilla
Cerro Casahuala. Hiking to the summit, 4210 meters
Diplostephium hartwegii
Chihuilasacha
Rumiñahui Volcano. Near the Limpiopungo Lagoon, 4010 meters
Gentianella foliosa
Genciana
The Illinizas. Hiking to the refuge, 4010 meters
Castilleja fissifolia
Yawartaico - Candelilla
Cotopaxi Volcano. Northwestern face, 4108 meters