Flora of Tamango National Reservation, Región de Aisén, Chile

Abstract

The Tamango National Reservation (previously Lago Cochrane NR) it is located near Cochrane, Aisén Region, Chile (47°12'44"S; 72°31'33"W). Its vegetation includes evergreen and deciduous Nothofagus forests and Patagonian steppe. The main reason of its establishment is the existence of an important population of "huemules" (Hippocamelus bisulcus Molina) a kind of Chilean deer. An inventory of the vascular flora of the reservation was carried out and 199 species of vascular plants were recorded, 79.9% (159) native species and 20.1% (40) aliens. Four native species are endemic to Chile. The alien flora is higher than the national average (12%). A high presence of alien flora is probably related to local historical degradation of the Nothofagus pumilio forests. Burned forests were replaced by prairies containing mainly alien grass species, such as Holcus lanatus, Dactylis glomerata and Festuca rubra. Further, new records for Chile include: Carex patagonica (Cyperaceae), and Minuartia acutiflora (Fenzl.) Mattf. (Caryophyllaceae), Leucheria hahnii J. Remy (Asteraceae), and Agrostis umbellata Colla, represent new records for the Aisén Region.