Common Name: Frailejón de Tunja

General Information

Espeletia tunjana is an evergreen perennial plant with a short stem up to 30cm tall topped by a rosette of leaves. It produces several, erect, branched flowering stems that can be 100cm or more tall.
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine, resin and source of materials
Most of the population of.Espeletia tunjana is found in small isolated subpopulations, with little or no exchange of individuals among themselves, so the population is considered to be severely fragmented. In addition, there is a continuous decrease in the quality and extent of the habitat, due to the expansion of the agricultural activity. The plant is classified as 'Endangered' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2013)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

Northwest S. America - Colombia

Habitat

This species occurs in ecosystems of páramo, subparamo and paramized areas of high Andean forest, in a dry to humid climate, occasionally in sandy soils and in grasslands[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Endangered
Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Perennial
Height	0.50 m
Pollinators	Beetles, Bumblebees
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Espeletia tunjana is a plant of higher elevations in the tropical regions of the Andes, mainly at elevations between metres. The plants are usually found above the tree line in open, windswept regions known as Páramos, where the climate is wet and cool with a relative humidity that can be around 110%. The high elevation means there are high levels of UV radiation and a daily seasonality with night-time temperatures able to fall below zero at any time of the year.
The plant requires an open position in a humus-rich soil that does not dry out and a good supply of clean water. The various species do not generally grow well outside of their native habitat or other similar habitats, though some have occasionally been cultivated successfully at lower elevations or in greenhouses in the temperate zone.

Edible Uses

We have no specific information for this species, but the leaves of most (if not all) members of this genus can be used to make a bitter but tasty, refreshing tea that also has medicinal benefits[]. One medium-sized leaf is washed then boiled vigorously for at least 10 minutes, the liquid is then drunk whilst hot. Cinnamon is also traditionally added for a bit of flavour[].

Medicinal

A decoction of the leaf is used in the treatment of asthma and pulmonary affectations[, ]
A resin obtained from the plant is used in the treatment of rheumatism and earache[, ].

Phytochemical studies report the presence of diterpenes, flavonoids, terpenes and sesquiterpenlactones[].
Various compounds with medicinal activity have been reported from the aerial parts of the plant, including diterpene type compounds; the terpenes friedelin, sitosterol and stigmasterol; and two melampolide type sesquiterpene-lactones longipilin acétate and polymatin B[].
The flavonoids quercetin and 3-methoxy quercetin were identified in an ethanolic extract of the plant[].

We have no further specific information for this species, but most (if not all) species in this and several other related genera are used medicinally in the High Andes. In particular, the plant contains essential oils and resin, and an infusion of the leaves is used traditionally to alleviate altitude sickness and aid breathing at higher elevations. It is also used to treat respiratory conditions (including bronchitis, influenza, cough and asthma) and to treat digestive problems[].

Other Uses

Most, if not all, species in this and in several other related genera yield an abundant, aromatic resin. It can be used as an incense, or to extract oil of turpentine, which is used as a solvent for paints and varnishes[].

The leaves make an excellent camping mattress or pillow. Simply harvest dry leaves, evenly pile them, then lie down to compress them a bit. Stuff them inside a plastic bag to make a decent pillow, or heap them under your tent for a little extra comfort in the night[].

Propagation

Seed -

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