“Plutarchia hildae,” a New Species of Wild Flora, Discovered in Huila

Researchers from CAM and environmental organizations identified a new endemic plant species named Plutarchia hildae in the Cerro Páramo de Miraflores Regional Natural Park. The discovery expands Huila’s biodiversity catalog after two years of botanical characterization.

Scientific characterization and technical analysis process of the species

Collecting the specimen required a 10-day expedition in the Cerro Páramo de Miraflores Regional Natural Park, led by the Regional Autonomous Corporation of the Alto Magdalena (CAM) alongside Conservation International, Pacto Hylea, and local environmental groups. The botanical material was dried at temperatures between 60 and 70 degrees Celsius for subsequent curation and morphometric analysis in the laboratory, measuring petals, sepals, corollas, and leaves against specimens of the genus.

The study determined that the plant belongs to the Ericaceae family, a vegetation group present in high-mountain ecosystems that includes fruits like the Andean blueberry (agraz). CAM records establish that Plutarchia hildae is an endemic species of the Huila department and is in a critical conservation state due to having a small population exposed to anthropogenic pressures in the páramo.

Ecological contribution and tribute to regional botanical research

The species was named Plutarchia hildae in tribute to Hilda del Carmen Dueñas Gómez, a teacher and researcher who developed regional flora inventories in the territory. In the ecosystem, the plant produces showy flowers in red and orange tones that fulfill the ecological function of attracting pollinators such as hummingbirds.

The identification of the species integrated technical work with the accompaniment of rural farming communities during fieldwork. According to Jeison Herley Rosero Toro, a botanical professional at CAM, the methodological process combined scientific research with territorial monitoring carried out by local organizations.

Expansion of the endemic species record in Huila

The addition of Plutarchia hildae to the international botanical record complements other discoveries of endemic species identified in the Huila department, including Zamia huilensis, Epidendrum viridiflavum, and Kohleria huilensis.

The participating entities will continue scientific explorations in the Cerro Páramo de Miraflores Regional Natural Park area to determine if other populations of the species exist and to evaluate protection mechanisms for its habitat.

Source:

• Regional Autonomous Corporation of the Alto Magdalena (CAM)