FLORA OF CAJAMARCA: MOST IMPORTANT CHARACTERISTICS - BIOLOGY - 2025

The flora of Cajamarca is defined by the typical climate of the Peruvian high Andes. Very high heights are not the most suitable for plant growth.

But the climate of the valleys, with abundant sources of water and fertile soils, is special for the development of abundant flora.

The difficult access to the inter-Andean valleys promoted the reproduction of native species of the region.

Unfortunately, indiscriminate logging has seriously damaged the ecosystem, causing many species to disappear.

Another big problem was the introduction of foreign species, which have invaded the area of ​​the unique and original plants of the area.

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Main features

The variety of microecosystems in the region results in a great variety of plants and flowers.

Peru has two seasons: the rainy season, which runs from December to April; and the dry one, which runs from May to November.

Towards the end of the rainy season, the region's plants flourish, while the harvest season arrives in mid-summer.

The variety of plants is enormous, although many species have been lost. However, it is a region with forests of tall trees, plains with flowering shrubs and wastelands of low-temperature vegetation.

Among the most prominent trees are oak, cascarilla, cedar, willow, jacaranda, alder and palo blanco. These species have declined considerably due to indiscriminate logging.

There are also pines in abundance; this was one of the foreign spices that were introduced in the region.

Among the species of shrubs, the shamana and the llaulli stand out. In the area there is a great production of cherimoyas, orchids, bromeliads and hortencias.

Medicinal plants

In Cajamarca there are a great variety of plants with medicinal properties. Many have been used since pre-Columbian times. In rural areas they continue to be used as effective methods.

For example, they use a shrub called tapa tapa as a contraceptive. Eucalyptus is used for cough, flu and bronchitis infections.

The alder is used for skin inflammation. Valerian is an herb whose root is used for nerves and anxiety.

Mallow flowers help with stomach cramps. And from the nettle the root is used to treat hemorrhages, bumps and headaches.

The molle tree is one of those that offers the most benefits to the inhabitants; its leaves are used as an infusion to treat colds.

These same warm and tender leaves, or prepared as a poultice, are placed to relieve arthritis. And if they are rubbed on the body they work as an insect repellent.

The 2 most outstanding protected natural areas

Much of the native flora of the region has been lost and the survivor is at constant risk.

For this reason, protected areas have been established, where flora and fauna are protected against environmental impact and the hand of man.

1- Chancaybaños Reserved Zone

This reserve was formed in 1996 through decree 001-96-AG. An area of ​​2,628 hectares was delimited in the province of Santa Cruz, within the district of Chancaybaños.

It is adjacent to the Huamboyaco River, the Agua Dulce stream and the Santa Cruz-Chota highway. It is an area of ​​hot springs.

2- Pagaibamba Protection Forest

This protected area has an area of ​​2,078 hectares and is located in the district of Querocoto, in the province of Chota. It was established in 1987 by resolution 0222-87-AG / DGFF.

In this region are the sources of the water that supplies agricultural irrigation. Protecting these waters is one of its main objectives.

References

1. Biological diversity in Cajamarca. Regional Government of Cajamarca. (2008)
2. Flowers of Cajamarca. (2000) go2peru.com
3. Cajamarca; Flora and fauna. (2014) peru-info.net
4. Flora and fauna of Cajamarca. (2010) ecoturismocajamarquino.blogspot.com
5. Five New Species of Jaltomata (Solanaceae) from Cajamarca, Peru. (2009) researchgate.net
6. Natural Resources - Flora of Cajamarca. (2012) cajamarca.net.pe