Reproductive phenology and floristic composition of a peri-urban forest fragment in the Colombian Andes

Peri-urban forests play a key role in mitigating climate change and conserving biodiversity within expanding urban landscapes. However, the ecological processes that sustain their functionality—such as the reproductive phenology of plant species—have been poorly documented in the Colombian Andes. This study aimed to conduct a floristic inventory and qualitatively evaluate the phenological events of a peri-urban forest in the Municipality of Popayán (Cauca, Colombia). Sampling was carried out through direct observation of fertile individuals and recording of reproductive phases (flowering and fruiting). A total of 68 species belonging to 31 angiosperm families were identified, with Orchidaceae, Rubiaceae and Araceae being the most diverse. The predominant growth forms were herbs and shrubs, suggesting that the forest is at an intermediate stage of ecological succession. Phenological events showed marked temporal variation: flowering peaks occurred mainly in March, April and September during the monitoring period. These temporal patterns indicate an association between reproductive phenophases and climatic variation. Vismia baccifera , Besleria solanoides and Psychotria carthagenensis stood out for maintaining prolonged flowering and fruiting, providing continuous resources to pollinators and dispersers, thereby reinforcing their ecological role in the regeneration and stability of the ecosystem. The results highlight the importance of peri-urban forest fragments as biodiversity refuges and providers of essential ecosystem services, even under anthropogenic pressures. Additionally, they underscore the need to conserve these fragments, which function as biological corridors and key spaces for ecological connectivity and the resilience of Andean ecosystems.