Bamboo (Poaceae or grass family)
Bamboo are fast-growing, tree-like grasses, characterized by segmented, hollow stems. Bamboo generally flowers at the end of its lifecycle. Flowering is often synchronized over large areas, to increase the likelihood of successful pollination. There are about a thousand different species of bamboo worldwide, of which only a small proportion grow in Ecuador. The species shown in the photo, caña guadúa (Guadua angustifolia), is fairly widespread throughout Ecuador, and may be the only species native to the Vilcabamba valley. It can grow to heights of 20 m (65 ft) or more, and spreads efficiently via underground stems. It prefers wet soils, so is often found along shorelines. Cured properly, it can be used in house construction for roofs and walls, as well as beams and supports. Along some stretches of river in Vilcabamba, bamboo has been planted to help stabilize the shoreline.

Guaba or inga bean tree (Mimosaceae family, Inga edulis)
Inga species are characteristic of lowland forests. The guaba, which has leathery leaves and hairy young branches, is native to Ecuador, though not to the province of Loja. It is appreciated by valley farmers, and is often planted as a shade tree by coffee growers. Like porotilla, it is a nitrogen-fixing legume. In addition, it produces a rich leaf-mulch, and helps retain soil humidity. Children are often found tree-borne in guaba season (November/ December), picking the long, thick, green-brown seed pods. These contain a soft white edible flesh around a small number of dark brown, shiny seeds.

Nispero tree (Rosaceae family, Eriobotrya japonica)
This tree (shown at left) is not native to Ecuador, but is cultivated quite widely in the Andes, and is common in the valley. Its plum-shaped fruit is eaten fresh, and used for marmalade. The wood can also be good for construction if protected from humidity.

Rose-apple tree, pomarrosa (Myrtaceae family, Syzygium jambos)
This introduced, cultivated tree, in the same family as eucalyptus, is known in tropical regions throughout the world. It grows well in moist areas. The hint of rose fragrance and slightly apple flavour in the fruit give this tree its name. This fruit can be eaten raw or used to make preserves and wine. It is also eaten by bats. The rose-apple is sometimes grown amongst coffee plants as a shade tree.

Palton tree (Lauraceae family, Beilschmiedia alloiophylla)
The prolific berries help to identify this tree when it is in fruit. Only two species of beilschmiedia are found in Ecuador; and both are endemic. However, only one grows in the Andes. Where it is not cut, the Palton grows quite large.

Fig tree, higueron (Ficus species)
There are a great many fig trees in Ecuador, many of which are native. The fig tree whose leaves are pictured in the photo at right is one in which hunters would hide, to ambush the animals or birds that would come to eat the fruit. The fruits are now more typically eaten by pigs, and the leaves by cows. The other photo shows the classic “buttressed” trunk associated with some types of fig trees.