Abstract

ARANGUREN B, Anairamiz; MORILLO, Gilberto  and  FARINAS, Mario. Geographical distribution and species key of the genus Oritrophium (Kunth) Cuatrec. (Asteraceae). Acta Bot. Venez. [online]. 2008, vol.31, n.1, pp.81-106. ISSN 0084-5906.

The genus Oritrophium (Asteraceae) is native of tropical and subtropical mountains from Bolivia to Mexico. An updated list and a species key are provided. Illustrations of 13 species are included. A cluster analysis of the distribution by countries of the genus is presented. The 21 currently known species of the genus are found between 1500 and 5400 m asl. As a conclusion Oritrophium has a disjunct distribution between North America and South America, with higher number of species and a higher endemism in Ecuador, Perú and Venezuela.

Keywords : Asteraceae; biodiversity; Compositae; endemism; Oritrophium.