For species determination,
fertile voucher specimens were collected for each
plant species found in the quadrats and when not
possible, sterile specimens were gathered. Since many of
the plants found in the sites lacked reproductive organs,
additional specimens with flowers or fruits were
collected as reference material. Specimens were identified
in the field by a local expert (Angel Choe´ z, Bio-Sys)
and by experts at Quito (QCA) and Guayaquil (GUAY)
herbaria in Ecuador. Voucher specimens were deposited
at QCA and GUAY.