The forest types of the Valdivian Ecoregion

The Araucaria Forest

Characteristics and distribution

Araucaria (Araucaria araucana) grows in two different areas: in the Nahuelbuta Coastal Range between 37º40` and 38º40´ south; and in the Andes Range from 37º27` to 40º 48` south. This species is associated with lenga (Nothofagus pumilio), Coigüe (Nothofagus dombeyi) and coirón (Festuca scabriuscula) (Gajardo, 1994).

Threats faced

Araucaria forests cover a total area of 261,073 hectares, of which 130,579 hectares are protected in Conguillío and Nahuelbuta national parks, and Malalcahuello and Villarrica national reserves (FVSA, 1999). These forests are highly threatened by illegal cutting and forest fires that have occurred in recent years. According to a study by the Universidad Austral de Chile, 48% of the original forest present in 1550 had been lost by 1997.

Some interesting facts

• The life cycle of the araucaria is about 1000 years and the tree can reach heights of up to 50 m at maturity. Like the alerce, it also grows in harsh conditions.
• The seeds of the araucaria (piñones) are edible and are closely tied to the culture of the Pehuenche people, who have protected this tree an used it as a food source for centuries.
• Due to its beauty and curious shape, the araucaria is a popular ornamental tree in gardens and public squares.

Sources of information

CONAF, CONAMA, BIRF. 1997. Survey and evaluation of native plant resources of Chile.

FVSA. 1999. Maps of the Valdivian ecoregion forests, 1:500,000 scale. Technical Bulletin, Fundación Vida Silvestre de Argentina, Buenos Aires, Argentina. 7 pp.

Gajardo, R. 1994. Natural vegetation of Chile. Classification and geographic distribution. Editorial Universitaria. Santiago, Chile. 165 pp.

UACh, 2000. Original vegetation cover in the Valdivian ecoregion around the year 1550.