Diversity and distribution of lichens and bryophytes in a native mixed forest in the locality of El Colorado, Central Chile were studied. The bryophytes and lichens were collected from as many different available substrates. A total of 58 taxa, 30 mosses, 5 hepatics and 23 lichens were determined. Of these, 22 are new reports for the Maule region, Chile: 13 mosses, 5 liverworts and 4 lichens. For each taxon, the worldwide, continental and insular distribution, ecology and collection number are given. On the basis of the available information it is clear that there is a need for the protection of El Colorado locality, which constitutes a refuge for the conservation of lichens and bryophytes. Se estudió la diversidad briofítica y liquénica presente en un bosque nativo mixto de la localidad del Colorado, Chile Central. Los briófitos y líquenes estudiados fueron colectados a partir de diferentes sustratos disponibles. Se determinó un total de 58 taxa, 30 musgos, 5 hepáticas y 23 líquenes. Del número total de taxa, 22 corresponden a nuevas citas para la región del Maule: 13 musgos, 5 hepáticas y 4 líquenes. Para cada taxon, se entrega su distribución mundial, continental e insular, ecología y número de colecta. La información disponible provee la base para proponer la protección de la localidad de El Colorado, la cual constituye un refugio para la conservación de briófitos y líquenes.

Sclerophyllous forest is among the most representative types of woody plant communities in central Chile where Quillaja saponaria is considered to be one of the most important species. In this study, we analysed the main factors that explain the geographical patterns of variation in composition, richness and phylogenetic diversity of woody plant communities in the Chilean sclerophyllous forest where Quillaja saponaria is present. Vegetation surveys were performed for trees and shrubs in thirty-nine sites from 30° to 38° of latitude South in the Mediterranean biome of Chile. Composition, richness, alfa diversity and phylogenetic diversity metrics of the communities were calculated and associated with spatial (latitude, longitude and altitude), climate (annual mean temperature, annual precipitation, aridity), and disturbance variables (type of adjacent vegetation matrix) using multiple regression models. Sixty taxa were identified, distributed in 29 families, including 23 trees and 37 shrubs. A significant effect of the type of adjacent vegetation matrix (i.e. agricultural land, commercial forestry plantation or natural forest) on diversity and composition of the sampled communities was found. Significant effects of latitude on diversity, and altitude, latitude and annual mean temperature on composition were also found. Metrics of phylogenetic diversity and structure were only associated with altitude and latitude. In conclusion, diversity, composition and phylogenetic structure patterns of sclerophyllous forest communities are associated with spatial and climate variables, and anthropogenic disturbance has also caused important changes in these communities.