Since many of these species have more than one use, multiple counts are possible. We defined multipurpose species as those with three or more uses. Ecological data based on practical criteria to assess the potential for sustainable use as suggested by the RVA method

(Watts et al. 1996) were considered. Such criteria are abundance (frequency), life form, geographical distribution, and habitat preference. The data for species was obtained from field studies conducted at 43 sites in the Bolivian Andes (Fig. 1) by Kessler and collaborators (Kessler 2001, 2002). At each site, 8–24 non-permanent plots of 400 m² each were established, in which all present species of Araceae and Bromeliaceae were recorded together with their BTSA1 manufacturer growth habits. We categorized these as terrestrial, epiphytic below 2 m, and epiphytic above 2 m. The cover of each species on the ground (terrestrials) or on the trunks and branches (epiphytes) was estimated according to a modified Braun-Blanquet scale (+ = rare, 1 = 1–5% cover, 2 = 6–25%, 3 = 26–50%, 4 = 51–75%, 5 = 76–100%) (for further details see Kessler and Bach 1999; Kessler

2001, 2002). Since most species records I-BET151 clinical trial showed low cover values (+, one), we used their frequency, i.e., the percentage of plots at a given study site in which the species was recorded, as a measure of the abundance Thiamet G of the individual species. Species with frequencies >50% were considered to be common and of potential economic interest. Habitat preferences were evaluated and classified in two artificial groups as with and without preferences. Species with preference

were all detected in one of the following habitats: (a) natural zonal forest, (b) secondary vegetation, and (c) special habitats (vegetation in ravines, on rock faces, ridges). Species without preferences were found in at least three habitats in different combinations in between, including those growing in zonal and secondary vegetation. In addition, existing knowledge of the geographical distribution based on Missouri Botanical Garden’s Tropicos database was analyzed for all species and categorized as follows: endemic, narrow distribution (two or three countries), and wide distribution (four to more countries). Information for the Chiquitano forest and the Gran Chaco was extracted from Fuentes (1997) and Navarro et al. (1998), since we ourselves did not conduct fieldwork in those regions. Species and study sites were categorized and assigned to ten major biomes of Bolivia following Ibisch et al. (2003) (Fig. 1, Table 1). These ecoregions are defined by humidity and temperature ranges, and are Selleck Flavopiridol arranged by ascending number of arid months in Figs. 2, 3, 4 and 5. Table 1 Major Bolivian ecoregions recognized in the present study (modified after Ibisch et al. 2003) Abbr.