[crb_slider][crb_slide image=”https://legacy.rainforesttrust.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/New-plant-for-upload.jpg” credits=”Burmeistera zamorensis. Photo by Muchhala & A. J. Perez.” title=”” text=””][/crb_slider]

A new plant species was recently discovered in the Ecuadorian Andes by a team of scientists in the Tapichalaca Reserve. The reserve, which is located on the eastern slope of the Andes in the Zamora-Chinchipe Province, is operated by Rainforest Trust’s conservation partner Fundación Jocotoco.

Burmeistera zamorensis is part of a Neotropical genus composed of 111 species that are distributed from Guatemala to Peru. The genus Burmeistera reaches its highest endemism and diversity in the Andes.

[crb_slider][crb_slide image=”https://legacy.rainforesttrust.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Tapichalaca-for-upload.jpg” credits=”Tapichalaca Reserve. Photo by Fundacion Jocotoco” title=”” text=””][/crb_slider]

The flowers of Burmeistera zamorensis serve as a food source for several nectar bats. They bloom at night and attract the bats with a strong, musky odor. The new plant is distinguished from other plants in the Burmeistera genus by its leaf arrangement and the maroon coloring on the underside of its leaves.

At present, Burmeistera zamorensis is only found in the Tapichalaca Reserve and appears to be relatively rare, although its total distribution still remains unknown. More studies are needed to understand its conservation risk.

Rainforest Trust has played an active role in expanding the Tapichalaca Reserve for 15 years. Recognizing its role as a stronghold of biological diversity in southern Ecuador, Rainforest Trust has helped Fundación Jocotoco to expand the reserve by 2,473 acres, safeguarding many rare species.