**4. Sampling**

Using the protocol of Gradstein et al. [15], four forests were selected, in which 16 *Polylepis* arboretums were evaluated. A total of 10 plots per arboretum were evaluated (four in the bolus, four in the canopy, and two in the terminal branches). Each plot was 20 30 cm in the bolus and canopy, and in branches the plots were 10 60, making a total of 600 cm<sup>2</sup> each plot.

In each forest, epiphytic mosses were collected from the lower base of the trunk, canopy area, and terminal branches. The collection was made using craft paper bags and/or recycled paper envelopes, preferably selecting specimens with a sporophyte as this is often necessary for identification.
