High Andean forests are strategic ecosystems with high diversity of native and endemic plants; however, these natural ecosystems are affected by agricultural expansion. Knowledge on the propagation of native plants is essential to restore these environments. This research aimed to evaluate germination in the following native species: Viburnum triphyllum Kunt. (Caprifoliaceae), Oreopanax floribundum Kunth, (Araliaceae), Weinmannia tomentosa L.f. (Cunoniaceae), and Tournefortia fuliginosa Benth. (Boraginaceae) in Botana experimental farm of Universidad de Nariño. This study was conducted between October (2016) and February (2017). For each species, an unrestricted randomized split-plot design was established. The main plot included the substrates (S), and the sub-plots included the different pre-germination treatments (PM) with three repetitions. The results showed statistically differences in germination percentage among pre-germination treatments for O. floribundum. The highest germination percentage (42%) for this species was achieved with seed imbibition for 48 hours at 22°C. Moreover, W. tomentosa showed statistical differences for S and PM, with a germination percentage of 74% with imbibition for 48 h at 22°C and sand substrate. T. fuliginosa did not show relevant differences; however, it had a germination percentage of 47%. V. triphyllum did not germinate; therefore, further evaluations of pre-germination treatments should be required.

The intense production systems present in the Andean region have generated serious disturbances to high mountain ecosystems, which provide ecosystem services of great importance such as minerals, flora, and fauna. The study of the native flora through morphological descriptors becomes relevant to characterize and identify the vegetation that could be used in agroecological systems. This could serve as a strategy for the recovery and sustainable use of degraded systems since they promote diversity and responsible use of natural resources. The objective of this research was to determine the foliar morphological patterns that characterize four native shrub species of the High Andean forest: C. arborea; W. mariquitae; V. triphyllum y L. Subseriata. Fifteen qualitative and quantitative morphological leaf descriptors were used. Data were subjected to multivariate analysis of main components and multiple correspondences for quantitative and qualitative variables, respectively. Leaf width and leaf shape were found among the most relevant descriptors for C. arborea; leaf length and main petiole length for L. Subseriata; leaf width and color on the upper leaf side for W. mariquitae; and leaf width and petiole thickness for V. triphyllum. This work contributes to identifying the most relevant morphological traits of four High Andean forest shrub species with potential for the implementation of agroecological systems that contribute to the sustainability of areas disturbed by agricultural actions.