Catalogue of the native Lycophytes (Lycopodiopsida) and Ferns (Polypodiopsida) from Chile

Abstract

The Lycopodiopsida (lycophytes) and Polypodiopsida (ferns), classically known as “pteridophytes”, together they represent the first living lineages of plants with a vascular system in the sporophyte. Global diversity is estimated at 12,000 or more taxa, while in Chile the diversity of this group, according to the las publications, is estimated at 160 specific and infraspecific taxa, mainly in temperate humid zones of the country. The goal of this work is to update the inventory of the pteridoflora of Chile, including the nomenclature and distribution within the continental and insular territory of Chile of all the taxa present. An updated synthesis was made, presented in the form of a catalogue, including its conservation status according to criteria established by the IUCN. The pteridological flora of Chile is composed of 164 specific and infraspecific taxa distributed in 24 families and 57 genera, which represent 2.9% of the vascular flora of Chile. 35.4% are endemic species, while 64.6% are native. The summary by conservation categories for the taxa is: two Data Deficient, 33 Least Concern, 22 Near Threatened, 27 Vulnerable, 31 Endangered, 17 Critically Endangered and one Extinct. It is noteworthy that the endemic family Thyrsopteridaceae is categorized as Endangered (EN), which should be considered in management and conservation plans.