Ecological aspects and conservation status of Malesherbia tubulosa (Passifloraceae: Malesherbioideae) in Peru

Abstract

Ecological information on the endemic Malesherbia tubulosa is presented, with its current and potential geographic distribution, habitats, natural history, biological associations and conservation status based on field observations, herbarium review and data analysis. M. tubulosa is recorded for the first time in the xerophytic scrublands of the department of Ica, expanding its distribution range towards southern Peru; also, the presence of a population in the lomas ecosystem (Fog Oasis) on the central coast of the department of Lima stands out, which constitutes the first record of habitat in the lomas and the most significant approach to the coastline. Finally, it is proposed to categorize M. tubulosa as Endangered under criterion B2ab (iii, iv), for which conservation measures are required to protect the species and its threatened habitats.