Catalog of Vascular Plants of Arequipa, Peru

This catalog is designed to deepen the understanding of the flora and vegetation in Arequipa, Peru, and serves as a valuable tool for researchers, conservationists, and nature lovers. Our goal is to broaden knowledge and foster an appreciation for the natural heritage of Arequipa, emphasizing the critical need to protect its diverse species.

The catalog lists 1,350 species of wild ferns and flowering plants. For each species, there is a concise morphological description, information on its ecological and geographical distribution, uses by humans, and taxonomic notes. The appendix provides a detailed taxonomic key for all the species mentioned and a glossary of commonly used synonyms.

Edgar Heim, born in Lima, Peru, studied food technology and dedicated more than 30 years of his career to this field as a manager and lecturer. Alongside his professional activities, he developed a deep personal interest in nature, biodiversity and ecology, with a particular passion for botany and travel. His travels have largely focused on South America and Southeast Asia, regions known for their rich biodiversity.

He lived in Peru for almost 20 years and now resides in Switzerland. Over the years, he has compiled a comprehensive database of plant and vegetation data, focusing on the flora of Peru and southern Malesia, which serves as the basis for this catalog.

In 2014, he published "Flora of Arequipa, Peru: An Illustrated Field Guide" followed by the "Catalog of Ferns, Gymnosperms, and Flowering Plants of the Department of Arequipa, Peru" in 2021. This current catalog represents a continuation of his dedicated research into the flora of southern Peru. It underscores his commitment to documenting and preserving the plant biodiversity of this remarkable region.