The Mighty Polylepis Tree
Through our initiative, Acción Andina, we help restore native trees called Polylepis. Polylepis forests in the high Andes, with their twisted trunks and dense canopies, provide a remarkable range of ecosystem services. Learn more about this magical tree.
In ecological restoration, certain plant species stand out for their remarkable ability to transform degraded landscapes into thriving ecosystems. Among them, the Polylepis tree, otherwise known as the Andean paperbark, has a unique capacity to restore soil health and create important wetlands.
Polylepis trees are a group of high-altitude species native to the Andean regions of South America, particularly in Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, and Colombia. They are characterized by their papery bark, small leaves, and compact shapes, which enable them to thrive in harsh mountain environments where few other plants can survive.
One remarkable quality of Polylepis trees is their ability to restore degraded soils. Their native habitats often suffer from erosion, nutrient depletion, and loss of organic matter due to their high attitudes and human interventions such as deforestation, agriculture, and overgrazing. When Polylepis trees are reintroduced, they initiate a chain of healthy ecological processes. The dense network of roots formed by Polylepis trees helps stabilize soil, reducing erosion caused by water and wind. Their extensive root systems can penetrate deep into the ground, holding the soil together and anchoring them during heavy rains or strong winds. Additionally, leaves and organic matter produced by Polylepis trees can contribute to the buildup of carbon within the soil, which enhances soil structure, water retention, and nutrient cycling. As fallen leaves decompose, they release nutrients into the soil, promoting the growth of microorganisms and supporting many soil organisms like worms and fungi.
Polylepis trees also play a crucial role in the creation and maintenance of wetlands, which are biodiversity hotspots characterized by saturated soils that support a wide range of plant and animal species. These trees are natural water filters in these ecosystems, intercepting rainfall and releasing it slowly into the surrounding landscape. Since the roots of the Polylepis trees are so deep, they break up the grounds where the water can seep in, and replenish groundwater storage, which is essential for the functioning of wetland ecosystems. This process helps regulate water flow, reduce the risk of floods, and ensure a constant water supply to the surrounding communities during summer and dry periods.
Replanting Polylepis trees is a viable method of ecosystem restoration in the Andean regions of South America. Restoring degraded soils and creating important wetland habitats, these resilient trees provide invaluable ecosystem services that benefit both human communities and biodiversity. As Global Forest Generation works to address the challenges of climate change and biodiversity loss, the reforestation of Polylepis forests is a sustainable strategy for the Andes and serves as inspiration for other mountain habitats in the world.
