Achlorophyllous Plants of Quindío, Colombia: Holoparasitic and Mycoheterotrophic Species

Abstract

Achlorophyllous plants comprise heterotrophic lineages that obtain carbon and nutrients through direct parasitism (holoparasitic species) or associations with fungi (mycoheterotrophic species). In the department of Quindío, Colombia, this floristic component has been little studied. The objective of this research was to compile a taxonomic treatment of the achlorophyllous species present in the department. Field surveys were conducted in 12 municipalities across an elevational range of 970–3800 m, encompassing premontane, montane, high Andean, and páramo forests. Field records were complemented by examination of specimens from the Herbarium of the Universidad del Quindío (HUQ) and taxonomic verification using specialized literature. Four families, five genera, and five species were recorded. Species showed differences in elevational occurrence, with Corynaea crassa documented at higher elevations and Helosis cayennensis mainly at lower elevations. These findings provide a baseline for further ecological, conservation, and floristic studies in the region.