Giant rosette plant morphology as an indicator of recent fire history in Andean páramo grasslands

摘要: Abstract High-altitude Andean paramo grasslands are fire-dependent systems but reconstructing recent fire history is difficult using conventional approaches. From Venezuela to Ecuador, paramos usually dominated by giant rosette plants of the genus Espeletia. This study assesses Espeletia's potential as an indicator history. Their peculiar morphology adaptation mountain environment. Fire removes dead leaves which sheathe single stem, they begin reaccumulate after fire. It this reaccumulation leaves, plus post-fire mortality rates, that might indicate Adult during first two years varied according intensity, from 8% (low intensity) 56% (very high intensity), and was low in absence (2.5%). Growth rates were much faster at 3600 m (14.8 cm y−1) than 4100 m (1.6 cm y−1), so leaf turnover (94 compared with 50 leaves y−1). Taller grew shorter ones. Dead cover on stems successfully predicted time since four sites known age. Espeletia does represent a useful requires calibration account for local growth rates. At lower altitudes, could provide information fires previous 20 y, longer periods higher altitudes (where grow more slowly live longer). relatively cheap method be used support wide range wider studies where influential. A protocol calibrating use proposed.