Flower of the Andes

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• Flower of the Andes
• candle spear

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Chuquiraga insignis var. microphylla
• Chuquiraga peruviana
• Chuquiraga fruticosa
• Chuquiraga lancifolia
• Johannia insignis
• Chuquiraga microphylla
• Johannia lancifolia
• Chuquiraga insignis
• Chuquiraga insignis var. lancifolia
• Chuquiraga jussieui var. lancifolia
• Chuquiraga pseudoruscifolia
• Joannesia insignis
• Johannia microphylla
• Lychnophora vanisschoti

Regional and Traditional Names

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. It is further classified under the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Asterales. Finally, it is a member of the family Asteraceae and is specifically identified by the genus Chuquiraga.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant is widely distributed across the high-altitude regions of Western South America. It can be found growing within the mountainous landscapes of Colombia and Ecuador. Its presence extends further south into the diverse terrains of Peru. Additionally, the species occupies specific ecological niches located in Bolivia. Together, these locations define the primary geographical range of this medicinal species.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Chuquiraga jussieui is defined by its specialized adaptation to the high-altitude environments of the Andean páramos. This species thrives within a specific vertical niche, maintaining an elevational range that begins at 3000 m AMSL and extends up to a maximum of 3750 m AMSL. Occupying these alpine tundra ecosystems, the plant is adapted to survive the intense solar radiation, significant diurnal temperature fluctuations, and high levels of moisture characteristic of these high-elevation tropical mountains. Its distribution within this specific altitudinal band allows it to play a vital role in the high-altitude landscape, contributing to the stability and biological complexity of the páramo habitat.

Elevational range max:

3750 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

3000 m AMSL

Morphology

The morphology of Chuquiraga jussieui is characterized by its growth form as a woody shrub, exhibiting a robust and self-supporting structure. As a terrestrial species, it does not exhibit aquatic or semiaquatic tendencies, nor does it function as an epiphyte or a climber; rather, it maintains an independent existence without the need for lianas, vines, or parasitic relationships. Its development is strictly non-epiphytic, rooting firmly in the soil as a terrestrial organism, and its physical constitution is defined by its woody nature, which provides the necessary stability for its shrubby habit.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

shrub

Parasite :

independent

Woodiness :

woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Chuquiraga jussieui has 3 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Carotenoids, Flavonoids, vitamin C.

Carotenoids

1. Natural product research

Flavonoids

1. Natural product research

vitamin C

1. Natural product research