Fitosociología de los Bosques de Nothofagus antarctica (FORST.) OERST. en la Cordillera Costera de Cauquenes (Chile)

Abstract

The ñirre (Nothofagus antarctica) forests in the coastal mountain range of the province of Cauquenes (35° 49'-50' S, 72° 27'-28' W, Chile, VII Region) were studied. The region has a mediterranean climate and mesomorphic characteristics.
Twenty three vegetation samples, following the european phytosociological methodology, were obtained. The number, cover, frequency of the species and the stratification of the community were analyzed on the vegetation table. The importance values, homogeneity-index and degree of association of the species with the ñirre were calculated. The life forms as well as the geographic origin of the species were established. Lastly, the plant associations were determined.
Heterogeneity in the phytosociological table formed by 104 species is indicated by the variation in the number of species per sample, the analysis of frequency and the homogeneity-index. The biological spectrum indicates the presence of a phanerophytic phytoclima te which confirms the azonal character of the community under stydy. The life forms as well as the origin of the species confirm the secondary characteristic of the community and the anthropic intervention. The ñirre positively associated with typical species of the Chilean hygromorphic zone. A new forest association, Scirpo-Nothofagetum antarcticae was determined and the presence of a probable Gomortegetum keule was suggested. The dependence of these communities to the soil water as well as to the state of conservation in which they are found are discussed.