Present distribution of Fragaria chiloensis (L.) Duch. in Chile

摘要

The information about the actual distribution of Fragaria chiloensis (L.) Duch. in Chile was updated, based on two collecting expeditions performed in 1992 and 1995 that run from the VIIth to the XIth Regions. The data about the geographical position and altitude of the collection sites allowed determination of the predominant climatic conditions where the species still grows, spontaneously or cultivated. Most accessions were collected in sites whose climate had a great amplitude and a wide diversity in the other climatic variables. Most of the accessions grew between 101 and 500 m asl, but some were found from 1 to 1850 m asl. In relation to latitude, most of the accessions were collected between 36 deg and 39 deg S, though they were also found from 34 deg 55 min (in Iloca) to 44 deg 43 min (in Puerto Cisnes) in the coastal region, and from 35 deg 30 min (Vilches) to 47 deg 33 min (in Laguna Larga, Cochrane) inland. Three types of plants were found: wild with small red fruits (F. chiloensis subsp. chiloensis f. patagonica), wild with medium or small white fruits, and cultivated with large white fruits (F. chiloensis subsp. chiloensis f. chiloensis). The white-fruited cultivated accessions were always close to the sea or near a lake and never found above 500 m asl. Only three wild white-fruited accessions were found, and these at low altitude. The wild red-fruited plants are spread all over the area of collection from sea level to the high Andean mountains, although there were virtually no plants in areas dedicated to agriculture or cattle production.