The regeneration status of Fitzroya cupressoides in the cordillera Pelada, Chile

The large conifer, Fitzroya cupressoides (Mol.) Johnston, which is native to southern Chile and Argentina, has been intensively exploited for its valuable wood since European colonization in the 16th century. Today F. cupressoides persists only in relatively small, remote stands and reports of inadequate regeneration have given rise to considerable concern for its survival. A reconnaissance study of virgin stands in the Cordillera Pelada, Chile, indicates that regeneration by both seedling establishment and root suckering is generally adequate to assure local persistence. Regeneration following very light burning is also adequate; however, following intense fires where soil peat burns and bare areas on the sterile, podzolic soils are created, forest re-establishment is exceedingly slow. The presence of regenerating virgin stands of F. cupressoides in the Cordillera Pelada is a strong reason for this area to be set aside for in situ preservation.