Gayana Botanica

New localities of Robinsonia (Rhetinodendron) berteroi R.W. Sanders, Stuessy & Martic. (Asteraceae) found in review of the herbarium of the National Botanical Garden, Chile

Patricio Novoa — 2022-12-31

Four new localities are cited for Robinsonia (Rhetinodendron) berteroi, on Robinson Crusoe Island, Chile, documented through herbarium collections made by the biologist Marcia Ricci in the years 1988 and 1990 deposited in the herbarium of the National Botanical Garden (JBN) of Chile, which remained as indeterminate species until September 2021.

Taxonomic revision of Cuscuta (Convolvulaceae) in Chile

Mihai Costea — 2022-12-31

Parasitic plant genus Cuscuta is important both economically and ecologically. This study is the result of more than fifteen years of herbarium and field studies in preparation for the floristic account of the genus in Nueva Flora de Chile. Eleven species that belong to three sections of subgenus Grammica were confirmed from Chile. Two historically reported species, C. epithymum and C. grandiflora, were not corroborated by the existing evidence. An identification key, typification, detailed descriptions and illustrations were provided to facilitate the identification of species, and their taxonomy was discussed, outlining remaining problems. Geographical distribution, ecology and host range of species were detailed. Results strongly suggested that several species are likely rare (e.g., C. andina, C. rustica, C. pauciflora) or even extinct (C. werdermannii), emphasizing the need for concerted efforts to locate these species in the wild and establish their conservation status.

Implications of the use of plastic shelters in the initial performance of Nothofagus pumilio plantations in Torres del Paine National Park

Patricio E. Salinas — 2022-12-31

Environmental changes caused by fires in forest ecosystems can hinder reforestation processes, since it is necessary to have a cover that provides lateral protection. One solution to this problem has been the incorporation of tree shelter; however, there is evidence both for and against their use. The objectives of this study are to compare the initial performance (in terms of survival, growth and browsing) in Nothofagus pumilio plantations with and without the use of tree shelters in Torres del Paine National Park and to evaluate associated costs and operational yields involved in the use of this protections. Survival, growth and browsing variables were measured for 194 experimental units in three sectors of the park. The findings show that after four years, there are significant differences in survival and growth, being higher for plants with shelter. Browsing was also less likely under protected conditions. However, planting management and operational costs related to protections showed 51,6% additional costs and 14% loss of protections aesthetically affecting natural areas of the park. In consideration of the above, we conclude that the use of tree shelter favors a better performance in N. pumilio, however, we recommend that for a sustainable management of restoration actions, especially within wild areas, the financial, operational and environmental aspects associated with the use of tree shelter should be considered and counterbalanced.

Arenaria L. (Caryophyllaceae) in Chile

Daniel Montesinos-Tubée — 2022-12-31

Arenaria L. sensu lato is a genus of Caryophyllaceae of which around 100 species are known, distributed on all continents. The existence of four species of the genus Arenaria (Caryophyllaceae) for the vascular flora of Chile, three native and one introduced, is reported, thus reducing the historical number of names referring to this genus and accepting A. digyna Schltdl. A. rivularis Phil., A. serpens Kunth and A. serpyllifolia L., as currently accepted. New synonyms are proposed: A. microphylla Naudin, A. oligosperma Naudin, Arenaria pleurantha Phil., A. cordillerana Iamonico and A. philippii Iamonico, all of them are treated as A. serpens Kunth.

Taxonomic revision of the genus Poa L. (Poaceae: Pooideae: Poeae) in Chile

Víctor L. Finot — 2022-12-31

A taxonomic revision of the genus Poa in Chile is given. Forty-two species, 5 subspecies and 5 varieties distributed in 4 subgenera, 15 sections and one informal group “Punapoa” are recognized. Synonyms, bibliographic references, notes on distribution and habitat, distinctive characters, and keys to species and subspecific taxa are provided for each species. The names Poa algida Trin., P. annua L. var. eriolepis E. Desv., P. ariguensis Steud., P. chilensis Trin., P. chrysantha Lindm., P. fuegiana (Hook.f.) Hack. var. involucrata Hack., P. maullinica Phil., and P. yaganica Speg. are lectotypified. A new combination and status is established for P. parviceps Hack. [P. scaberula Hook.f. subsp. parviceps (Hack.) Finot, Giussani & Soreng]. Poa dialystostachya is proposed as a new synonym of the endemic P. paposana.

Divergence among the subspecies of Alstroemeria garaventae Ehr. Bayer (Alstroemeriaceae) on fundamental karyotype and chloroplast DNA data

Carlos Baeza Perry — 2022-12-31

A comparative study of the two recognized subspecies of Alstroemeria garaventae Ehr. Bayer in Chile was conducted using chromosomes and chloroplast DNA as sources of taxonomic evidence. Both characters indicate both subspecies as separate entities, supporting previous taxonomic hypotheses. Yet, nuclear DNA analyses will be necessary to confirm their taxonomic status.

The fruit-color polymorphism in Gaultheria mucronata (L.f.) Hook. & Arn. does not affect pre- dispersive germination

Sergio A. Castro — 2022-12-31

The germinative dynamics of Gaultheria mucronata (L.f.) Hook. & Arn. seeds from fruits of different colors were compared. Seeds from white, pink and dark-pink fruits were subjected to germination trials, evaluating the final germination percentage, accumulated germination percentage and the mean germination period (T₅₀). The results did not show statistically significant differences between the treatments, implying that the fruit color polymorphism does not show differences in the germinative behavior analyzed here.

New records of macrofungi associated with a willow grove (Salix babylonica) at Estación de Biología Terrestre de Hualpén, Biobío Region, Chile

Götz Palfner — 2022-12-31

A preliminary inventory of macrofungi associated with Salix babylonica in south central Chile is presented. Sporomas of twelve basidiomycetes and one ascomycete were recorded during the 2021 season, functionally dividing into four ectomycorrhizal symbionts and nine wood decomposers. Pholiota conissans and Xerocomellus ripariellus, specialists in alluvial forests, are first records for Chile, along with Cortinarius saniosus and Junghuhnia nitida. Compatibility of endemic lignicolous Anthracophyllum discolor, Clitocybe pleurotus and Pluteus brunneoolivaceus with wood of allochthonous S. babylonica could also be shown.