Geometry morphometrics of plant structures as a phenotypic tool to differentiate <i>Polylepis incana</i> Kunth. and <i>Polylepis racemosa</i> Ruiz &amp; Pav. reforested jointly in Ecuador

In Ecuador, there is a progressive loss of the native forest. To mitigate these problems, several reforestation plans have been carried out in country. recover Andean forest, Polylepis racemosa was introduced from Peru, due to its similarity species like incana. This genus fulfills important ecological functions that help effects local climate change. However, close natural populations threatens genetic diversity forests. long term, it can trigger hybridization processes and create problems for ecosystem conservation. study used geometry morphometric (GM), differentiate quickly economically, using form leaves, stomata, flowers, pollen P. incana three populations: Illinizas Ecological Reserve, Mojanda Lagoons Cayambe-Coca National Park. obtain data, composite leaves were scanned, stomata photographed with an increase 400× on flowers 100×. 15, 10, 12, 9 landmarks (LM) digitized pollen, respectively, ImageJ software. Then, shape variables statistical analysis performed MorphoJ As result, obtained discriminant function (DFA) shows be as indicators this genus, discarding pollen. After that, Canonical Variate Analysis (CVA) showed reforested jointly are separated into two different species; except population Mojanda, where intersection few individuals, which share similar phenotypic characteristics so they considered potentially hybrid individuals. generates information location inside outside System Protected Areas threaten highlands. Finally, GM accessible tool monitoring biodiversity through morphological discriminating against complex taxonomic problems.