Chilean Bromeliaceae: diversity, distribution and evaluation of conservation status

Abstract

Chile is home to 23 species of Bromeliaceae, including 2 subspecies and 4 varieties. Twenty species are endemic to the country. We examined 883 herbarium specimens from 27 herbaria for our treatment of the Bromeliaceae for the ''Flora de Chile''. These data and field observations resulted in a comprehensive database that we used to generate distribution maps for each species. We applied ecological niche modelling to reveal distribution areas and centers of Bromeliaceae diversity. We further analysed the collecting dates of the herbarium specimens to assess possible changes in species abundance. In this study we assess the conservation status of the bromeliad species in Chile. IUCN categories were assigned to the 27 bromeliad taxa as follows: Critically endangered: 4, Endangered: 6, Vulnerable: 11, Near threatened: 2, Least concern: 4. No species has become ''Extinct'' up to now. We also put forth a hypothesis about their biogeographic history.

Adaptive radiation, correlated and contingent evolution, and net species diversification in Bromeliaceae

“…Data on habit, growth form, seeds, and habitat were drawn from Smith and Down (1974, 1977, 1979, Givnish et al (1997), Schulte et al (2009), andZizka et al (2009). Data on photosynthetic pathways were drawn from Crayn et al (2004) …”

“…Of the taxa involved, all but the three small Chilean genera exhibit CAM. The occurrence of C 3 photosynthesis in these is likely related to their occurrence in deciduous forest understories (Greigia, Ochagavia carnea) and/or cool microsites immediately next to the coast (Fascicularia on the mainland, O. elegans on Robinson Crusoe Island in the Juan Fernández archipelago) (see habitat descriptions by Zizka et al (2009)). Dyckia-Encholirium secondarily invaded dry, rocky sites through the interior of the Brazilian Shield to the Horn of Brazil (Givnish et al, 2007(Givnish et al, , 2011.…”

Notes on the Chilean geographic distribution of several vascular plant species

“…As a consequence, the geographic delimitation of the subspecies' distribution areas is problematic. The distribution of F. bicolor in Chile comprises the Mediterranean as well as the temperate macroclimates and ranges from 34° S to 42° S (Zizka et al 2009). Although Smith and Downs (1979) cite a Fascicularia specimen from Puerto Lagunas at 45°17' S (R.L.…”

“…Although Smith and Downs (1979) cite a Fascicularia specimen from Puerto Lagunas at 45°17' S (R.L. Fricke s.n., CM), subsequently published distribution maps did not include this locality, as the respective authors did not see this specimen (Zizka et al 1999;2009;pers. comm.).…”

Ethylene spray influences flowering of the Chilean bromeliad Fascicularia bicolor

“…Chile is home to six genera of Bromeliaceae: Deuterochonia, Fascicularia, Greigia, Ochagavia, Puya and Tillandsia, totalling 23 species, 2 subspecies and 4 varieties (Zizka et al, 2009). Fascicularia bicolor (Ruiz & Pav.…”