Notes on a new population of the endangered Chilean tree Gomortega keule

Abstract

The evergreen tree Gomortega keule (Mol.) Baillon belongs to the monotypic family Gomortegaceae and produces edible fruits. This endangered species occurs along a 200 km stretch of the coastal ranges in central Chile, fragmented in small populations at 24 localities with difficult access. Within the geographic area the present work describes a population not reported previously. Most of the 73 individuals found showed several shoots or thin trunks re-growing from damaged trees under the canopy of a forestry plantation. Only three individuals had shoots with a diameter at breast height over 10 cm. The height of the trees was less than 10 m. In more than 80% of cases, cut or burnt remains of a central trunk indicated that the original trees were damaged. These observations, and the absence of flowers, fruits and seedlings, show that the entire population is the result of vegetative regeneration. Threats posed to the species by forestry activities and fire are discussed.