XVI International Botanical Congess

This study was conducted in the Andean Southwest of Colombia including some life zones of the West, and central mountains. The altitudinal range of the samples begins at 650 m altitude, tropical dry forest (b-ST) and 3100 m (paramune zone). Viscaceae represents the widest distribution in all life zones samples. Loranthaceae were localized between 1650 m premountain humid forest (bh-PM) and 3100 m (paramune zone). Cuscutaceae was collected at 3100 m (paramune zone). Viscaceae and Loranthaceae were distributed in premountain wet forest (bmh-PM) as well. Hemiparasite plants colonize primary and secondary forests and agro-eco-systems, preferentially parasiting woody spice plants. The economical importance of some genera such as Pthirusa, Phoradendron, Oryctanthus is related to infections in fruit trees and crops (Coffea, Manihot). Finally, some ecophysiological adaptations, are discussed.