parolus

Parolus is a genus of flowering plants in the family Parulaceae, comprising a single described species, Parolus minor. The genus and species were described by botanist L. Renard in 1927, from specimens collected in the Andean cloud forests.

Description: Parolus minor is a compact evergreen shrub, typically 0.5–1.2 meters tall. It bears opposite leaves, 2–5 cm long, with a glossy olive green blade and entire margins. Flowers are small, tubular, and bright yellow, arranged in short terminal racemes; fruit is a dry capsule about 3–4 mm in diameter.

Distribution and habitat: Endemic to montane cloud forests of the central Andes, at elevations around 1800–2600 meters. It grows in shaded understory with moist, well-drained soils rich in organic matter.

Ecology and conservation: Parolus minor is pollinated by native bees, and its seeds are dispersed by gravity and small mammals. The species is sensitive to deforestation and climate change, and is assessed as endangered in regional conservation lists. Protected areas and habitat restoration are key to its persistence.

Taxonomy and etymology: The genus name Parolus is derived from Latin roots referring to its small stature, combined with the diminutive suffix -olus. The epithet minor denotes its relatively small size compared with related genera. The genus is monotypic, with Parolus minor as the sole described species.