Disterigma alaternoides (Kunth) Nied. x D. noyesiae Luteyn

  • Authority

    Smith, Albert C. 1952. Plants collected in Ecuador by W. H. camp. Vaceiniaceae. Mem. New York Bot. Gard. 8 (1): 41-85.

  • Family

    Ericaceae

  • Scientific Name

    Disterigma alaternoides (Kunth) Nied. x D. noyesiae Luteyn

  • Description

    Distribution and Ecology - Canar: Northeast of Azogues, Camp E-1784, F. Prieto P-90. Azuay: Ridge between El Pan and Guachapala, Camp E-5256. North of Paute, Camp E-2594. The eastern Cordillera, north of Sevilla de Oro, Camp E-4271. "Oriente" Border, Paramo del Castillo and surrounding forested areas (crest of the eastern Cordillera on the trail between Sevilla de Oro and Mendez), Camp E-120. Loja: Loma de Oro, near Saraguro, Camp E-558 (NY only), E-692. Nudo de Guagrauma, slopes of the Loma de Oro, Camp E-274 (NY only). Cerro Villanaco, west of Loja, Camp E-249, E-250. "Oriente" Border, crest of the Cordillera de Zamora, east of Loja, Camp E-74 E-90. Napo-Pastaza: Valley of the Rio Pastaza and adjacent uplands, vicinity of El Topo, Camp E-1684, E-1685, E-1690 (NY only), E-2410 (NY only). Santiago-Zamora: Eastern slope of the cordillera, valley of the Rios Negro and Chupianza, TamboChontal to Tambo Consuelo, Camp E-1595 (NY only).

  • Discussion

    The cited specimens were obtained at altitudes of 4,000 to 11,000 ft., the plant having been noted most often as a shrub, low and spreading in exposed places but up to 4 m. high where protected from winds; it is sometimes epiphytic, either dependent or with erect stiff branches; leaves deep green above, paler beneath, often nitid; corolla white to pink; mature fruit about 1 cm. in diameter, white or pinkish to reddish purple or wine-red, translucent.

    This excellent series of specimens, together with many others which have become available since my previous discussion of the species (Brittonia 1: 219, 220. 1933), show that D. alaternoides varies to such a degree that the variety parvifolium (Benth.) A. C. Smith no longer has any significance. This variety occurs throughout the range of the species (Venezuela to Bolivia) and is distinguishable only on the basis of its smaller than typical leaves. It is now seen that leaves on different branches of the same plant are often quite diverse in size, their dimensions perhaps depending largely upon age or exposure. Although I originally noted the flowers as "glabrous," it should be noted that some of the specimens now available have both calyx and corolla sparsely pilose with minute whitish hairs.

  • Distribution

    Canar: Northeast of Azogues, Camp E-1784, F. Prieto P-90. Azuay: Ridge between El Pan and Guachapala, Camp E-5256. North of Paute, Camp E-2594. The eastern Cordillera, north of Sevilla de Oro, Camp E-4271. "Oriente" Border, Paramo del Castillo and surrounding forested areas (crest of the eastern Cordillera on the trail between Sevilla de Oro and Mendez), Camp E-120. Loja: Loma de Oro, near Saraguro, Camp E-558 (NY only), E-692. Nudo de Guagrauma, slopes of the Loma de Oro, Camp E-274 (NY only).

    Ecuador South America|