News published: 10 September 2023

The Cryptogamium, a conservation space for pteridophytes that promotes sustainable development practices in páramo and high Andean forest ecosystems.

They are living fossils characterized by being a group of seedless vascular plants. They are known as such because they are part of an ancient lineage that dates back to the Carboniferous period, where they were dominant. They are one of the most diverse and widely distributed groups on the planet, with very versatile plants due to their great capacity to adapt to environmental changes. In addition, different species of this group are used by human communities.

Is estimated that these groups have about 11,000 species distributed worldwide. In Colombia around 1,450 species of ferns and 180 of lycophytes have been recorded. The highest diversity is found in the Andean region, particularly in Paramo and high Andean Forest.

Currently, the Botanical Garden of Bogota is developing conservation strategies to increase biodiversity, connectivity and environmental services of the urban vegetation of the Capital District, prioritizing the ex-situ conservation of the Andean forests and Paramos. In this way, the Botanical Garden of Bogota has a living collection of “Cryptogams”, specifically the group of “pteridophytes” in 0.59 Ha. This collection includes approximately 50 native species, such us Lophosoria quadripinnata, Asplenium myriophyllum, Niphidium crassifolium, Osmunda spectabilis, and species with a national conservation status, including Dicksonia sellowiana, Cyathea microdonta.

Cryptogams Systematics is a dynamic collection meticulously organized based on evolutionary relationships, adhering to the PPG I (Pteridophyte Phylogeny Group) classification system. This unique collection offers visitors a journey through time as they observe these living fossils. It also serves as an immersive classroom for learning about botany and conservation, providing valuable training opportunities for students and fostering initiatives that promote knowledge adoption and citizen identity. Through the dissemination of biological data, the publication of informative notes and guides, this collection serves as a powerful information strategy intricately linked with the knowledge, beliefs, and traditional wisdom associated with this group of plants.