Pullistumia

Pullistumia is a genus of flowering plants in the family Asteraceae, native to tropical montane forests of the Andes with records from Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. The genus currently comprises two described species, Pullistumia subsericea and Pullistumia nivalis, while a third name, Pullistumia obscura, appears in some herbarium records but is regarded as dubious.

Plants in the genus are herbaceous perennials or small shrubs, typically reaching 0.5 to 1.2 meters in height. Leaves are opposite to subopposite, simple, and serrate. The inflorescence is a capitulum typical of Asteraceae, with pale yellow ray florets surrounding a central cluster of small yellow disc florets; the fruit is an achene with a marginal pappus that aids wind dispersal.

Pullistumia inhabits cloud-forest understories and montane forests at elevations around 1,200 to 2,600 meters. It favors moist, well-drained soils and is often found in shaded, rocky outcrops near streams. The genus is believed to be pollinated primarily by native bees, with possible contributions from hummingbirds or other small nectarivores; seed dispersal is wind-driven via the pappus.

Taxonomy and etymology: The name Pullistumia is thought to derive from Latin roots meaning “dark opening,” a reference to the distinctive dark central area observed in some flower heads of early specimens. The taxonomy has been revised several times, and molecular studies are used to test its placement within the tribe Heliantheae and its relationship to related genera.

Conservation and research: The genus is relatively poorly known, with limited distribution and habitat specificity making it potentially vulnerable to deforestation and climate change. Ongoing field surveys and phylogenetic analyses aim to clarify species boundaries and evolutionary history.