Dendropanax colombianus
| Dendropanax
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| Dendropanax colombianum Decne. & Planch. | ||||||||||||||||
Dendropanax colombianus is a tree native of the highlands of the andean region of Colombia, which belongs to the family Araliaceae. It is a large (= 20 m) tree, with alternated palmatilobulated (hand-shaped) leaves. Common names: “Mano de Oso” (bear paw), “Higuerón”, “amarillo” (yellow).
The leaves have reddish backside, with large petiols. It is often confused with Oreopanax floribundum due to morphologic similarities. The range of this plant is restricted, growind in lands with altitude 3000-3300m. It is often closely associated to the Encenillo tree (Weinmannia tormentosa).
Mano de Oso is an important habitat to many bird species, and promotes the settlement of other important plants such as Cedro tree (Cedrela Montana) and Chuwacá tree (Prunus buxifolia), which the subsequent reforestation in the sub-páramo. Due to the high value of its wood it is a target of the timber industry.
