Andean Firebush

Appearance

The species is a tree or shrub which reaches heights of about 6 metres. The leaves, which are arranged in a spiral pattern along the twigs, have a simple, entire blade. As is the case with many species in the Proteaceae, the leaves are highly variable. The shape of the leaves varies from narrow and elongate to broad and ellipse-shaped, or anything in between. The base of the leaf can be narrow or broad, and the leaf tip can be pointed or rounded. They usually range from 4.8 to 12.7 centimetres in length, occasionally reaching lengths of 21.5 cm, and are 1.6 to 3.4 cm wide. Young leaves are often covered with dense, reddish hairs while older leaves tend to have smooth surfaces with hairs concentrated along the main veins on the lower surface of the leaf. Plants have a terminal or lateral conflorescence. The inflorescences, which are usually 7 to 17.5 cm long;but occasionally as much as 38 cm, bear flowers that can be white, pink, yellow or red in colour. The tepals are mostly fused along their length, with only the tips of the tepals unfused. The pollen grains have three pores, a condition that is thought to be primitive in the Proteaceae.

Naming

The genus' name is derived from the Ancient Greek words "oros" "mountain", and "kalli-" "beauty".

Habitat

"Oreocallis grandiflora" is a characteristic species in certain semi-deciduous forests in valleys and evergreen upper montane forest in the Andean forests of southern Ecuador and evergreen sclerophyllous forests in northern Peru. It grows at elevations between 1,200 and 3,800 m above sea level. It tolerates habitat disturbance, and may be expanding its range in response to increased human activity. Apparently, floration is constant throughout the year.

Pollinator communities vary with distribution and floral visitation occurs during day and night, albeit nocturnal visitation is reported in southern Ecuador only. During the day, inflorescences are visited by birds, at least 14 hummingbird species including "Metallura tyrianthina", "Aglaeactis cupripennis" and "Coeligena iris". Mammals are the only nocturnal visitors, Phyllostomid bat "Anoura geoffroyi", and Andean mouse "Microryzomys altissimus"; the role of "M. altissimus" as actual pollinator is yet to be confirmed, although samples taken from its fur indicate pollen removal.

Uses

The plant is used for firewood, furniture/carpentry; its "pleasantly mottled cream-white, pinkish and pale brown wood" was used for inlay work and borders on chess boards. It also has medicinal uses. The seeds are eaten in southern Ecuador.