Chilean Species Research Articles

<p><strong>Morphology and morphometry support a single species in the <em>Leucheria cerberoana</em> species complex (Asteraceae, Nassauvieae)</strong></p>

Leucheria (Asteraceae, Mutisioideae, Nassauvieae) has been traditionally defined as a South American genus with 49 species. In the context of an ongoing revision of the genus, we observed that 10 Chilean species (Leucheria cerberoana, L. cumingii, L. glabriuscula, L. glandulosa, L. menana, L. multiflora, L. oligocephala, L. senecioides, L. tenuis, L. tomentosa) were morphologically difficult to distinguish from each other. This group of species, called here the Leucheria cerberoana complex, shares the following features that differ from the other species of Leucheria: marginal florets and fruits of the capitulum tightly enclosed by the outer and the inner phyllaries, synaptospermy and a dimorphic pappus. Here, we test the current morphological circumscription of these 10 species on the basis of the analysis of 171 specimens. We carried out multivariate analyses (Principal Coordinate Analysis and K-means) based on 16 external morphological characters. We also examined anatomically the underground organs because these species were distinguished from each other by their annual or perennial life cycle. We found that all the specimens analyzed have underground organs with secondary growth and thus there are not annual species in this group. Our results showed that there are no morphological gaps among specimens supporting the hypothesis of a single species. It is proposed here to synonymize these species under the name Leucheria tomentosa (Lessing) Crisci. With this change, the number of species of Leucheria is reduced from 49 to 40.

Revealing the biodiversity of Chilean birds through the COI barcode approach.

The mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene is an effective molecular tool for the estimation of genetic variation and the identification of bird species. This molecular marker is used to differentiate among Chilean bird species by analyzing barcodes for 76 species (197 individuals), comprising 28 species with no previous barcode data and 48 species with sequences retrieved from the BOLD and GenBank databases. The DNA barcodes correctly identified 94.7% of the species analyzed (72 of 76 species). Mean intraspecific K2P distance was 0.3% (range 0–8.7%). Within the intraspecific divergence range, three species, Phrygilus gayi, Sephanoides sephanoides and Curaeus curaeus, showed relatively high intraspecific divergence (1.5–8.7%), possibly due to the presence of a species complex or geographic isolation of sub-populations. Mean interspecific K2P distance was 24.7% (range 1.3–43.5%). Consequently, the intraspecific K2P distance showed limited overlap with interspecific K2P distance. The mean intraspecific divergence in our study was similar to that found in temperate regions of South America (0.24%). However, it was approximately one order of magnitude lower than values reported for bird species in tropical regions of northern South America (1.8–2.13%). This result suggests that bird species from Chile show low levels of genetic structure and divergence. The small overlap between intra- and inter-specific distances implies that COI barcodes could be used as an effective tool to identify nearly all the Chilean bird species analyzed.

<i>Aneriophora aureorufa</i> (Philippi, 1865) (Diptera: Syrphidae): a fly specialized in the pollination of <i>Eucryphia cordifolia</i> Cav. (Cunoniaceae R. Br.), an endemic species of South American temperate forest

The order Diptera is the second most important group of pollinators worldwide. Many flies are considered generalist pollinators, but specialist flower flies’ associations are rare or uncommon. The present study aimed to determine the level of specialization in pollination for Aneriophora aureorufa (Philippi, 1865) (Diptera: Syrphidae), an endemic species of the South American temperate forests. The study evaluates also the species abundance in different sampling sites and environments. Our data suggest that Aneriophora aureorufa has an exclusive and extremely narrow association with the flowers of Eucryphia cordifolia Cav.¸ an endemic Chilean species. We reviewed the literature on Chilean pollinator species searching for information about Aneriophora Stuardo & Cortés 1952 and compared its exclusive association with other specialist flies. We conducted long-term fieldwork for 22 years in one location during the flowering season and over a period of one to six years in five additional locations. In our field study we recorded all insects which had contact with stigma and/or stamens of 25 plant species. We found that Aneriophora visits flowers of E. cordifolia in both low absolute abundance and low relative percentage, and occasionally visits flowers of two other species. In the northern distributional range of A. aureorufa, where E. cordifolia is absent, the hoverfly was recorded in flowers of Laurelia sempervirens (Ruiz & Pav.) Tul. (Chilean laurel, Atherospermataceae), but in low frequency (0.01 flowers/min). In a site where we have a long-term study, A. aureorufa represented only 0.2% of all flower visitors, and its abundance was higher in canopy forests, visiting 0.03 flowers/min. Based on our observations and the literature review we propose that (1) Aneriophora is one of the most specialized pollinator flies described until now; (2) the species is more frequent in old-growth forests than in forest edges or isolated trees.

Quaternary diversification of a columnar cactus in the driest place on earth.

The cactus family (Cactaceae) is a speciose lineage with an almost entirely New World distribution. The genus Eulychnia with eight currently recognized species is endemic to the Atacama and Peruvian Deserts. Here we investigated the phylogeny of this group based on a complete taxon sampling to elucidate species delimitation and biogeographic history of the genus. A family-wide Bayesian molecular clock dating based on plastid sequence data was conducted to estimate the age of Eulychnia and its divergence from its sister genus Austrocactus. A second data set obtained from genotyping by sequencing (GBS) was analyzed, using the family-wide age estimate as a secondary calibration to date the GBS phylogeny using a penalized likelihood approach. Ancestral ranges were inferred employing the dispersal extinction cladogenesis approach. Our GBS phylogeny of Eulychnia was fully resolved with high support values nearly throughout the phylogeny. The split from Austrocactus occurred in the late Miocene, and Eulychnia diversified during the early Quaternary. Three lineages were retrieved: Eulychnia ritteri from Peru is sister to all Chilean species, which in turn fall into two sister clades of three and four species, respectively. Diversification in the Chilean clades started in the early Pleistocene. Eulychnia likely originated at the coastal range of its distribution and colonized inland locations several times. Diversification of Eulychnia during the Pleistocene coincides with long periods of hyperaridity alternated with pluvial phases. Hyperaridity caused habitat fragmentation, ultimately leading to speciation and resulting in the current allopatric distribution of taxa.

Molecular Data Reveal the Presence of Three Plocamium Lamouroux Species with Complex Patterns of Distribution in Southern Chile

Plocamium Lamouroux is a widespread genus for which 45 species are currently recognized. However, classical taxonomy based only on morphological characters, is problematic within this genus. The use of molecular tools has uncovered cryptic genetic species, mistakenly grouped under the name of morphological species that are common and widespread (including the generitype Plocamium cartilagineum (Linnaeus) P.S.Dixon). The aim of this work was to evaluate the species diversity of Plocamium in Southern Chile. For this purpose, three independent molecular markers were sequenced in samples collected from seven populations located between 41°S and 54°S. The species diversity was evaluated using phylogenetic reconstructions and two independent methods for species delimitation (ABGD and GMYC). The outcomes of each method were congruent, suggesting the presence of three species in Southern Chile. One species, named Plocamium sp. 1, is restricted to Punta Guabún, the only locality sampled north of the biogeographic barrier of the 42°S. The other two species, Plocamium sp. 2 and 3 are distributed in sympatry in Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego. The three Chilean species form a clade phylogenetically close to sequences obtained from New Zealand and Australia and a divergence along the coasts of Chile after past transoceanic dispersal is proposed. We propose that divergence in glacial microrefugia could have subsequently happen in the southern part of the coast, this hypothesis being supported by the strong impact of glacial maxima on population dynamics, especially in Plocamium sp. 3.

Eucalyptus globulus bark valorization: Production of fibers by Neutral Sulphite Semi-Chemical Process for Liner Paper Manufacture

Eucalyptus globulus is the second most important economic forest species in Chile. Its main use is in the kraft pulp industry, where large amounts of bark waste are generated. Due to its fibrous characteristics, E. globulus bark is proposed as an alternative source of fibres for papermaking. This study focuses on obtaining fibres for liner paper manufacture. A neutral sulphite semi-chemical (NSSC) process was performed, varying the sodium sulphite (5% to 16%) and the sodium carbonate (2% and 4%) concentrations using two reaction temperatures (160°C and 170°C). The NSSC process at 170°C, 16% of sulphite, and 2% of sodium carbonate proved to be the best condition to obtain higher mechanical performance of papers. As the pulping conditions become more drastic, the yield drops, and the physicomechanical properties of paper increases. Results showed that pulps from E. globulus bark could turn into source of fibres for papermaking and other related products.

Detection of antimicrobial resistant Salmonella enterica strains in samples of ground hedgehogs (Atelerix albiventris) reared as pets in the urban area of Santiago, Chile

The breeding of exotic pets has become a popular practice in Chile and, within this group of animals, small mammals such as guinea pigs and hedgehogs have gained importance due to their docile behaviour. The most common exotic hedgehog species in Chile is the African pygmy hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris). It has been reported that these pets are reservoirs of some zoonotic pathogens, among which Salmonella enterica constitutes an important threat for the owners. This study aimed to detect the presence of Salmonella strains in faeces from hedgehogs (Atelerix albiventris) admitted to a veterinary clinic in Santiago, Chile, and to characterise the antimicrobial susceptibility of the isolated strains. From 200 animals sampled, S. enterica was detected in 5 hedgehogs, corresponding to serotypes Muenchen (2), Infantis (2) and IV43:z4,z23:- (1). Furthermore, phenotypic antimicrobial resistance was determined in all subsp. enterica isolates. These results suggest that in Chile these exotic pets constitute a potential hazard for public health, therefore, supporting educational campaigns about basic biosecurity measures is necessary, mostly aimed at pet owners and risk groups.

Review of Chilean Cyrtinae (Diptera: Acroceridae) with the Description of Three New Species and the First Record of Villalus inanis from Argentina.

Acrocerid flies are endoparasitoids of spiders that are distributed in all ecosystems except deserts and the poles. This group was historically classified into three subfamilies. However, molecular analyses have indicated two new subfamilies. One of these is Cyrtinae Newman, which is made up of two clades: the north, with Palearctic species, and the south, with Chilean species (except for the fossil genus Villalites Hennig). In the southern clade, endemic genera Holops Philippi and Villalus Cole have been poorly described over time by different authors. The aim of this study is to re-describe the known species of Holops and Villalus and describe three new Holops species based on collected material: Holops grezi sp. nov., Holops anarayae sp. nov., and Holops pullomen sp. nov. In addition, an identification species key with updated distributions for all species and the first record of Villalus inanis from Argentina is also provided. New species are mainly characterized by the length of flagellum; colors of the postocellar lobe and thoracic segments, pilosity and legs; wing cells and veins, and shape of the abdomen. Holops and Villalus do not share morphological traits with any other known extant genus of Acroceridae in the southern hemisphere. The real biodiversity of this group must be evaluated with a molecular phylogeny in the future. In addition, the new species in the Pehuén and Valdivian forest provinces, areas considered to have been sheltered during the last glacial period, promoting speciation in several taxa. New and cryptic Holops species open the doors to disentangling the real biodiversity of spider flies in Chile.

A classification system for predicting invasiveness using climatic niche traits and global distribution models: application to alien plant species in Chile

Functional traits that predict plant invasiveness are a central issue in invasion ecology. However, in many cases they are difficult to determine, especially for a large set of species. Climatic niche traits can overcome this problem due to the ease of acquiring them for a large number of species. This effort is critical given that knowledge of species invasiveness is necessary (although not sufficient) to anticipate/manage invasive species. In this study, we examined thermal and hydric niche traits to predict plant invasiveness. We used a set of 49 alien plant species, representative of the alien flora of Chile. Niche traits were obtained using environmental information (WorldClim) and global occurrences. Invasiveness was estimated using global niche models and projection of the potential distribution in Chile. As a final step, we reviewed the literature for a subset of species, documenting their impacts on a) biodiversity, b) crop agriculture and c) livestock. Thermal niche breadth and thermal niche position were the most important niche traits to predict potential distribution (a proxy of invasiveness). Using thermal niche breadth and niche position traits, we constructed a graphical model that classifies alien species as highly invasive (wide thermal niche breadth and low niche position) or low potential to be invasive (narrow niche breadth and high niche position). We also found no association between our invasiveness classification and the documented impact of alien species.

Estado de las poblaciones del Rayador (Rynchops niger) en Chile

Black skimmers (Rynchops niger) visit the coast of Chile during the Southern summer, being observed in flocks of different sizes, mainly in coastal wetlands. Through the joint use of a database of citizen science observations together with our long-term monitoring, we estimate that the population size for the species in Chile reaches 10,227 individuals. Three sites congregate more than 50% of the population, these sites are the estuaries of Mataquito and Itata river, and Tubul. The analysis of the relative abundance throughout the year for four geographic macrozones would reflect the movement of the species on the coasts of Chile. The Northern zone shows an abundance peak in November with the arrival of individuals, yet its return strategy keeps not being so clear. The Central-North and Central zones of the country show two peaks in the arrival and departure of individuals, suggesting a rather transit use. The existence of a single peak in February, in addition to the highest concentrations of individuals, would indicate that the Central-Southern and Southern areas of the country would potentially be the destination for a large part of the population of black skimmers. The radiotelemetry monitoring of individuals allowed the detection of movement of individuals between a network of coastal wetlands. These displacements would occur frequently throughout the season and both north and southbound. This study provides relevant information for the status of the species in Chile, a country that is habitat for a potentially significant proportion of the cinerascens subspecies during the non-breeding period.

Revisión de Heliotropium sects. Heliothamnus, Heliotrophytum, Hypsogenia, Plagiomeris y Platygine (Heliotropiaceae) en Chile

A taxonomic revision of the Chilean species of Heliotropium (Heliotropiaceae) is presented, excluding those of sect. Cochranea that were revised in a previous contribution. These species are Heliotropium amplexicaule (sect. Heliotrophytum), H. corymbosum (sect. Heliothamnus), H. curassavicum (sect. Platygyne), H. geissei (sect. Plagiomeris), H. microstachyum (sect. Hypsogenia), H. paronychioides (sect. Plagiomeris) and H. patagonicum (sect. Platygyne). I analyze in detail the nomenclature, iconography, taxonomy, systematics, distribution and bibliography of each species. Heliotropium corymbosum is newly reported for the flora of Chile and the new combination Heliotropium corymbosum var. grisellum is herewith proposed. This taxon is illustrated for the first time. I discuss the presence of two species of Heliotropiaceae erroneously reported for the Chilean flora: Heliotropium angiospermum (sect. Schobera) and Euploca procumbens. I conclude that the family Heliotropiaceae is represented in Chile only by the genus Heliotropium with 24 species, including 17 species previously treated under sect. Cochranea. I provide a key for the determination of all Chilean species of Heliotropium.

Phylogenetic re-evaluation of Discopleurus (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae: Pimeliinae) and the description of a new species from the hyperarid Atacama Desert

Discopleurus Lacordaire (Pimeliiinae: Stenosini) is distributed in mesic and arid habitats of Central and South America. Most of the species are only known from a few localities, which may be due to their small size and hidden lifestyle. It is assumed that Discopleurus species live at least temporarily in ant nests, a characteristic feature described from many members of the worldwide distributed Stenosini. A recent expedition to the Precordillera of the southern Atacama Desert allowed collecting specimens of a new Discopleurus species that inhabits the most arid habitat known so far for Discopleurus. This species is described here as Discopleurus atacamensis sp. n. and can easily be differentiated from the seven previously described Discopleurus species by the interrupted central keels of the head. A phylogenetic analysis of 60 morphological characters was used to revise the phylogeny of the genus. D. atacamensis is not the sister taxon of one of the three other Chilean species, but the sister to Discopleurus argentinensis which is found on the eastern side of the Andes. The range of the common ancestor may have been separated by the Andean uplift and/or associated environmental changes.

Accumulation of Target Gene Mutations Confers Multiple Resistance to ALS, ACCase, and EPSPS Inhibitors in Lolium Species in Chile.

Different Lolium species, common weeds in cereal fields and fruit orchards in Chile, were reported showing isolated resistance to the acetyl CoA carboxylase (ACCase), acetolactate synthase (ALS) and 5-enolpyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate synthase (EPSPS) inhibiting herbicides in the late 1990s. The first case of multiple resistance to these herbicides was Lolium multiflorum found in spring barley in 2007. We hypothesized that other Lolium species may have evolved multiple resistance. In this study, we characterized the multiple resistance to glyphosate, diclofop-methyl and iodosulfuron-methyl-sodium in Lolium rigidum, Lolium perenne and Lolium multiflorum resistant (R) populations from Chile collected in cereal fields. Lolium spp. populations were confirmed by AFLP analysis to be L. rigidum, L. perenne and L. multiflorum. Dose-response assays confirmed multiple resistance to glyphosate, diclofop-methyl and iodosulfuron methyl-sodium in the three species. Enzyme activity assays (ACCase, ALS and EPSPS) suggested that the multiple resistance of the three Lolium spp. was caused by target site mechanisms, except the resistance to iodosulfuron in the R L. perenne population. The target site genes sequencing revealed that the R L. multiflorum population presented the Pro-106-Ser/Ala (EPSPS), Ile-2041-Asn++Asp-2078-Gly (ACCase), and Trp-574-Leu (ALS) mutations; and the R L. rigidum population had the Pro-106-Ser (EPSPS), Ile-1781-Leu+Asp-2078-Gly (ACCase) and Pro-197-Ser/Gln+Trp-574-Leu (ALS) mutations. Alternatively, the R L. perenne population showed only the Asp-2078-Gly (ACCase) mutation, while glyphosate resistance could be due to EPSPS gene amplification (no mutations but high basal enzyme activity), whereas iodosulfuron resistance presumably could involve non-target site resistance (NTSR) mechanisms. These results support that the accumulation of target site mutations confers multiple resistance to the ACCase, ALS and EPSPS inhibitors in L. multiflorum and L. rigidum from Chile, while in L. perenne, both target and NTSR could be present. Multiple resistance to three herbicide groups in three different species of the genus Lolium in South America represents a significant management challenge.

Baseline of Carbon Stocks in Pinus radiata and Eucalyptus spp. Plantations of Chile

Forest plantations have a large potential for carbon sequestration, playing an important role in the global carbon cycle. However, despite the large amount of research carried out worldwide, the absolute contribution of forest plantations is still incomplete for some parts of the world. To help bridge this gap, we calculated the amount of C stock in three fast growing forest species in Chile. Carbon pools in above-ground and below-ground biomass, forest floor, and soil were considered for this analysis. Across the plantation forests of Chile, carbon accumulated in the above-ground biomass was 181–212 Mg · ha−1 for Pinus radiata, 147–180 Mg · ha−1 for Eucalyptus nitens, and 95–117 Mg · ha−1 for Eucalyptus globulus (age 20–24 years for P. radiata and 10–14 years for Eucalyptus). Total C stocks were for 343 Mg · ha−1 for P. radiata, 352 Mg · ha−1 for E. nitens, and 254 Mg · ha−1 for E. globulus, also at the end of a typical rotation. The carbon pool in the forest floor was found to be significantly lower (less than 4% of the total) when compared to the other pools and showed large spatial variability. Our results agree with other studies showing that 30–50% of the total C stock is stored in the soil. The baseline data will be valuable for modelling C storage changes under different management regimes (changes in species, rotation length and stocking) and for different future climates. Given the contribution of soils to total carbon stocks, special attention should be paid to forest management activities that affect the soil organic carbon pool.

Notes on the genus Ophryosporus (Asteraceae, Eupatorieae) in Chile.

Ophryosporus Meyen is reviewed for Chile and an updated species list for the country based on herbarium records and literature review is presented. A key to the Chilean species is provided and a distribution range of taxa is indicated based on herbarium records and our own collections. We include several lectotypifications as well as an epitypification of Ophryosporus hoppii. The presence of two species, O. hoppii and O. floribundus, formerly accepted for Chile, is questioned and their actual distribution discussed.

A Comparison of Two Methodological Approaches for Determining Castor Bean Suitability in Chile

Castor bean (Ricinus communis L.) contains ricinoleic acid, making it one of the world’s most important oil-seeds. There are few studies on this species in Chile, despite its potential as an industrial crop. This study evaluated two methodologies (simplistic and presence-species) for determining the aptitude of land for growing castor beans, both of which use climatic information. The simplistic and presence-species methodologies identified 27.89 and 13.19 million ha, respectively. The most important difference between both methodologies was that the mean minimum annual temperature (TNA) was −8.0 °C in the simplistic method, meaning that some areas in the southernmost regions of Chile (Aysén and Magallanes) should be able to grow the plant. Therefore, TNA = 8.0 °C was selected, and the zonation by simplistic methodology was updated. Consequently, both zonations showed similar results, although the presence-species method included northern coastlines, precisely where castor bean has been recorded, while the simplistic method did not. Finally, both methodologies determined the best condition to be central-south Chile, between the Maule and Araucanía regions, even though castor bean presence has only been recorded up to the Maule region. These regions have a huge potential to establish castor beans, but more information about agronomic practices is necessary for its development in Chile.

The species of the genus Physoconops (Diptera: Conopidae) from Chile, with the description of a new species

Thick-headed flies (Conopidae) are a family of Diptera with species that are endoparasitoids of bees and aculeate wasps. Physoconops is represented by 64 species in the Neotropical and Andean regions and distributed in many countries. Only 3 species have been described for Chile, specifically from the northern area. In this work, a new species from the Valdivian evergreen forest, Physoconops tentenvilu n. sp., is described and a new key for the Chilean species is provided. In addition, P. tentevilu represents the southernmost record of this genus in Chile. Morphological aspects are discussed, as well as hosts and distribution gaps for the Chilean Physoconops species.

Trypanosomatid Infections among Vertebrates of Chile: A Systematic Review.

We present a review on the natural infection by trypanosomatids of nonhuman vertebrates in Chile, aiming to synthesize and update the knowledge on the diversity of trypanosomatids infecting native and alien vertebrate species. To this end, we conducted a systematic review of literature records published from 1900 to April 2020 on four databases, focusing on the 21 genera of trypanosomatids and Chile. The methods and findings of our review have been based on the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis (prisma) checklist. We found 29,756 records but only 71 presented relevant information for this review. Overall, there are only two reported trypanosomatid genera infecting vertebrate species in Chile, the genera Trypanosoma and Leishmania. The former is mostly represented by Trypanosoma cruzi (90% of the total records) and to a much lesser extent by Trypanosoma avium, Trypanosoma humboldti, Trypanosoma lewisi, and a couple of unidentified trypanosomatids. A total of 25 mammals have been reported as being infected by T. cruzi, including 14 native and 11 alien species from Orders Artiodactyla, Carnivora, Chiroptera, Didelphimorphia, Lagomorpha, Perissodactyla, and Rodentia. Extensive screening studies using new analytical tools are necessary to grasp the whole potential diversity of trypanosomatid species infecting vertebrates in Chile.

Multi-taxa inventory of naturalized species in Chile

Here we present a multi-taxa inventory of naturalized alien species recorded on continental Chile and adjacent marine habitats, including eight taxonomic groups. We identified 1,122 species. These comprise 790 vascular plants (terrestrial and aquatic); 31 nonvascular plants [Bryophyta (mosses), Marchantiophyta (liverworts) and Anthocerotophyta (hornworts)]; 18 marine and freshwater macro and micro algae; 71 fungi; 39 terrestrial vertebrates (amphibians, reptiles, mammals and birds); 108 insects; 37 marine and freshwater invertebrates and vertebrates (6 polychaetes, 3 mollusks and 28 Pisces); and 28 terrestrial gastropods. For all taxonomic groups, naturalized species were found to mainly be distributed in regions with Mediterranean and temperate climates, with few at either extreme of the country. The invasion curves show that naturalized species first underwent a positive increment, followed by an apparent plateau phase, mainly in vascular plants, insects and vertebrates. In fungi, marine and freshwater macro and microalgae, vertebrates and invertebrates, the cumulative number of naturalized species increased sharply starting in the early 20th century; the lack of collections before 1900 is also evident. When considering naturalized species as a whole, this inventory highlights that the rate of new naturalizations consistently increased after 1950, especially for some taxonomic groups such as insects, fungi, and vascular plants. This multi-taxa inventory of naturalized species provides a platform for national reporting on biodiversity indicators and highlights areas where Chile must invest resources to manage biological invasions.

Chemical Fingerprinting, Isolation and Characterization of Polyphenol Compounds from Heliotropium taltalense (Phil.) I.M. Johnst and Its Endothelium-Dependent Vascular Relaxation Effect in Rat Aorta.

Heliotropium taltalense is an endemic species of the northern coast of Chile and is used as folk medicine. The polyphenolic composition of the methanolic and aqueous extract of the endemic Chilean species was investigated using Ultrahigh-Performance Liquid Chromatography, Heated Electrospray Ionization and Mass Spectrometry (UHPLC-Orbitrap-HESI-MS). Fifty-three compounds were detected, mainly derivatives of benzoic acid, flavonoids, and some phenolic acids. Furthermore, five major compounds were isolated by column chromatography from the extract, including four flavonoids and one geranyl benzoic acid derivative, which showed vascular relaxation and were in part responsible for the activity of the extracts. Since aqueous extract of H. taltalense (83% ± 9%, 100 μg/mL) produced vascular relaxation through an endothelium-dependent mechanism in rat aorta, and the compounds rhamnocitrin (89% ± 7%; 10−4 M) and sakuranetin (80% ± 6%; 10−4 M) also caused vascular relaxation similar to the extracts of H. taltalense, these pure compounds are, to some extent, responsible for the vascular relaxation.