Abstract
The highest elevation epiphytic vascular plant flora ever recorded on a worldwide basis is described from the Cordillera Vilcabamba, southern Peruvian Andes. Three species of fern (Melpomene, Polypodium: Polypodiaceae) were recorded from Polylepis pepei forests at elevations above 4,250 m, with Melpomene peruviana reaching almost 4,550 m. A new high-elevation world record for arboreal hemiparasites is also documented, with Tristerix longebracteatus (Loranthaceae) being found at c.4,620 m. Climatic conditions of these sites were assessed and are discussed in the light of existing hypotheses on the abiotic conditions limiting epiphytism.
Sylvester, Steven P