Fitzroya: Difference between revisions

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{{short description|Species of plant}}
{{short description|Species of plant}}
{{About|the tree|the name|Fitzroy (disambiguation){{!}}Fitzroy}}
{{Speciesbox
{{Speciesbox
|fossil_range = {{Fossil range|100.5|0}}<small>Late [[Cretaceous ]] – [[Holocene]]<ref>{{cite web |title=Mata Amarilla Fm (Cretaceous of Argentina) |url=https://paleobiodb.org/classic/basicCollectionSearch?collection_no=140359&is_real_user=1 |website=PBDB.org}}</ref></small>
|fossil_range = {{Fossil range|100.5|0}}<small>Late [[Cretaceous ]] – [[Holocene]]<ref>{{cite web |title=Mata Amarilla Fm (Cretaceous of Argentina) |url=https://paleobiodb.org/classic/basicCollectionSearch?collection_no=140359&is_real_user=1 |website=PBDB.org}}</ref></small>
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| status = EN
| status = EN
| status_system = IUCN3.1
| status_system = IUCN3.1
|status_ref =<ref name="iucn status 19 November 2021">{{cite iucn |author=Premoli, A. |author2=Quiroga, P. |author3=Souto, C. |author4=Gardner, M. |date=2013 |title=''Fitzroya cupressoides'' |volume=2013 |page=e.T30926A2798574 |doi=10.2305/IUCN.UK.2013-1.RLTS.T30926A2798574.en |access-date=19 November 2021}}</ref>
|status_ref =<ref name="iucn status 19 November 2021">{{cite iucn |author=Premoli, A. |author2=Quiroga, P. |author3=Souto, C. |author4=Gardner, M. |date=2013 |title=''Fitzroya cupressoides'' |volume=2013 |article-number=e.T30926A2798574 |doi=10.2305/IUCN.UK.2013-1.RLTS.T30926A2798574.en |access-date=19 November 2021}}</ref>
| status2 = CITES_A1  
| status2 = CITES_A1  
| status2_system = CITES  
| status2_system = CITES  
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}}
}}


'''''Fitzroya''''' is a [[Monotypic taxon|monotypic]] [[genus]] in the [[Cupressaceae|cypress family]]. The single living [[species]], '''''Fitzroya cupressoides''''', is a tall, long-lived [[Pinophyta|conifer]] native to the Andes mountains and coastal regions of southern Chile, and only to the Argentine Andes, where it is an important member of the [[Valdivian temperate forests]]. Common names include '''''lawal''''' (in [[Mapuche language|Mapudungun]], [[Spanish language|Hispanic]]ized as '''''lahual'''''),<ref name="M">{{cite book|last=de Mösbach|first=Ernesto Wilhelm|date=1992|title=Botánica indígena de Chile|language=es|location=Santiago, Chile|publisher=Editorial Andrés Bello|page=60|isbn=956130970X}}</ref> '''''alerce''''' ({{IPAc-es|a|ˈ|l|e|r|s|e}}, "[[larch]]" in Spanish), and '''Patagonian cypress'''. The genus was named in honour of [[Robert FitzRoy]].
'''''Fitzroya''''' is a [[Monotypic taxon|monotypic]] [[genus]] in the [[Cupressaceae|cypress family]]. The single living [[species]], '''''Fitzroya cupressoides''''', is a tall, long-lived [[Pinophyta|conifer]] native to the Andes mountains and coastal regions of southern Chile, and only to the Argentine Andes, where it is an important member of the [[Valdivian temperate forests]]. Common names include '''''lawal''''' (in [[Mapuche language|Mapudungun]], [[Spanish language|Hispanic]]ized as '''''lahual'''''),<ref name="M">{{cite book|last=de Mösbach|first=Ernesto Wilhelm|date=1992|title=Botánica indígena de Chile|language=es|location=Santiago, Chile|publisher=Editorial Andrés Bello|page=60|isbn=956-13-0970-X}}</ref> '''''alerce''''' ({{IPAc-es|a|ˈ|l|e|r|s|e}}, "[[larch]]" in Spanish), and '''Patagonian cypress'''. The genus was named in honour of [[Robert FitzRoy]].


The genus is ancient with it dating back to the Cretaceous of [[South America]]. Fossils are also known from the [[Paleogene]] of [[Tasmania]], [[Australia]] (particularly from the now extinct ''Fitzroya tasmanensis'').<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Hill |first=Rs |last2=Whang |first2=Ss |date=1996 |title=A new species of Fitzroya (Cupressaceae) from oligocene sediments in north-western Tasmania |url=http://www.publish.csiro.au/?paper=SB9960867 |journal=Australian Systematic Botany |language=en |volume=9 |issue=6 |pages=867 |doi=10.1071/SB9960867 |issn=1030-1887|url-access=subscription }}</ref>  
The genus is ancient with it dating back to the Cretaceous of [[South America]]. Fossils are also known from the [[Paleogene]] of [[Tasmania]], [[Australia]] (particularly from the now extinct ''Fitzroya tasmanensis'').<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Hill |first=Rs |last2=Whang |first2=Ss |date=1996 |title=A new species of Fitzroya (Cupressaceae) from oligocene sediments in north-western Tasmania |url=http://www.publish.csiro.au/?paper=SB9960867 |journal=Australian Systematic Botany |language=en |volume=9 |issue=6 |page=867 |doi=10.1071/SB9960867 |issn=1030-1887|url-access=subscription }}</ref>  
==Description==
==Description==
''Fitzroya cupressoides'' is the largest tree species in South America, normally growing to 40–60&nbsp;m (130–200 ft) but occasionally more than 70&nbsp;m (230 ft), and up to 5&nbsp;m (16 ft) in [[Trunk (botany)|trunk]] diameter. Its rough pyramidal canopy provides cover for the [[Nothofagus|southern beech]], laurel and [[Luma apiculata|myrtle]]. The largest known living specimen is [[Alerce Milenario]] in [[Alerce Costero National Park]], Chile. It is more than 60&nbsp;m (200ft) tall, with a trunk diameter of 4.26&nbsp;m (14.2 ft). Much larger specimens existed before the species was heavily [[Deforestation|logged]] in the 19th and 20th centuries; [[Charles Darwin]] reported finding a specimen of 12.6m circumference (some 4.01m in diameter).{{citation needed|date=March 2023}}
''Fitzroya cupressoides'' is the largest tree species in South America, normally growing to 40–60&nbsp;m (130–200 ft) but occasionally more than 70&nbsp;m (230 ft), and up to 5&nbsp;m (16 ft) in [[Trunk (botany)|trunk]] diameter. Its rough pyramidal canopy provides cover for the [[Nothofagus|southern beech]], laurel and [[Luma apiculata|myrtle]]. The largest known living specimen is [[Alerce Milenario]] in [[Alerce Costero National Park]], Chile. It is more than 60&nbsp;m (200ft) tall, with a trunk diameter of 4.26&nbsp;m (14.2 ft). Much larger specimens existed before the species was heavily [[Deforestation|logged]] in the 19th and 20th centuries; [[Charles Darwin]] reported finding a specimen of 12.6m circumference (some 4.01m in diameter).{{citation needed|date=March 2023}}
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The leaves are in [[Decussation|decussate]] whorls of three, 3–6&nbsp;mm long (to 8&nbsp;mm long on [[seedling]]s) and 2&nbsp;mm broad, marked with two white [[stoma]]tal lines. This is a [[dioecious]] species, with male and female cones on separate trees.<ref>[http://www.conifers.org/cu/fi/ Gymnosperm Database – ''Fitzroya cupressoides'']</ref> The [[conifer cone|cones]] are globose, 6–8&nbsp;mm in diameter, opening flat to 12&nbsp;mm across, with nine scales in three whorls of three. Only the central whorl of scales is fertile, bearing 2–3 [[seed]]s on each scale; the lower and upper whorls are small and sterile. The seeds are 2–3&nbsp;mm long and flat, with a wing along each side. The seeds mature 6–8 months after [[pollination]].
The leaves are in [[Decussation|decussate]] whorls of three, 3–6&nbsp;mm long (to 8&nbsp;mm long on [[seedling]]s) and 2&nbsp;mm broad, marked with two white [[stoma]]tal lines. This is a [[dioecious]] species, with male and female cones on separate trees.<ref>[http://www.conifers.org/cu/fi/ Gymnosperm Database – ''Fitzroya cupressoides'']</ref> The [[conifer cone|cones]] are globose, 6–8&nbsp;mm in diameter, opening flat to 12&nbsp;mm across, with nine scales in three whorls of three. Only the central whorl of scales is fertile, bearing 2–3 [[seed]]s on each scale; the lower and upper whorls are small and sterile. The seeds are 2–3&nbsp;mm long and flat, with a wing along each side. The seeds mature 6–8 months after [[pollination]].


The thick bark of ''F. cupressoides'' may be an adaptation to wildfire.<ref name=SanmayDonoso95>{{cite book |last1=Veblen |first1=Thomas T.|last2=Kitzberger |first2=Thomas|last3=Burns |first3=Bruce R.|last4=Rebertus |first4=Alan J.|author-link1=Thomas T. Veblen |date=1995|editor-last=Armesto|editor-first=Juan J. |editor-last2=Villagrán|editor-first2=Carolina|editor-last3=Arroyo|editor-first3=Mary Kalin|editor-link2=Carolina Villagrán|editor-link3=Mary Kalin Arroyo |title=Ecología de los bosques nativos de Chile|chapter=Perturbaciones y dinámica de regeneración en bosques andinos del sur de Chile y Argentina|location=Santiago de Chile |publisher=[[Editorial Universitaria]] |pages=169–198 |isbn=9561112841 |language=es|trans-chapter=Natural disturbance and regeneration dynamics in Andean forests of southern Chile and Argentina}}</ref>
The thick bark of ''F. cupressoides'' may be an adaptation to wildfire.<ref name=SanmayDonoso95>{{cite book |last1=Veblen |first1=Thomas T.|last2=Kitzberger |first2=Thomas|last3=Burns |first3=Bruce R.|last4=Rebertus |first4=Alan J.|author-link1=Thomas T. Veblen |date=1995|editor-last=Armesto|editor-first=Juan J. |editor-last2=Villagrán|editor-first2=Carolina|editor-last3=Arroyo|editor-first3=Mary Kalin|editor-link2=Carolina Villagrán|editor-link3=Mary Kalin Arroyo |title=Ecología de los bosques nativos de Chile|chapter=Perturbaciones y dinámica de regeneración en bosques andinos del sur de Chile y Argentina|location=Santiago de Chile |publisher=[[Editorial Universitaria]] |pages=169–198 |isbn=956-11-1284-1 |language=es|trans-chapter=Natural disturbance and regeneration dynamics in Andean forests of southern Chile and Argentina}}</ref>


In 1993 a specimen from Chile, "Gran Abuelo" or "Alerce Milenario", was found to be 3622 years old, making it the second oldest fully verified (by counting [[dendrochronology|growth rings]]) age for any living tree species, after the [[Pinus longaeva|bristlecone pine]].<ref>{{Cite journal
In 1993 a specimen from Chile, "Gran Abuelo" or "Alerce Milenario", was found to be 3622 years old, making it the second oldest fully verified (by counting [[dendrochronology|growth rings]]) age for any living tree species, after the [[Pinus longaeva|bristlecone pine]].<ref>{{Cite journal
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}}</ref> More recent research proposed that this individual corresponds to the oldest tree in the world.<ref>{{Cite report |url=https://www.science.org/content/article/world-s-oldest-tree-growing-ravine-chile |title=Is the world's oldest tree growing in a ravine in Chile? |date=2022-05-20 |doi=10.1126/science.add1051 |language=en|url-access=subscription }}</ref>
}}</ref> More recent research proposed that this individual corresponds to the oldest tree in the world.<ref>{{Cite report |url=https://www.science.org/content/article/world-s-oldest-tree-growing-ravine-chile |title=Is the world's oldest tree growing in a ravine in Chile? |date=2022-05-20 |doi=10.1126/science.add1051 |language=en|url-access=subscription }}</ref>


A team of researchers from the [[University of Tasmania]] found [[fossil]]ized foliage of a ''Fitzroya'' species on the [[Lea River]] of northwest [[Tasmania]].<ref>{{Cite journal | doi = 10.1071/SB9960867| title = A new species of Fitzroya (Cupressaceae) from Oligocene sediments in north-western Tasmania| journal = Australian Systematic Botany| volume = 9| issue = 6| pages = 867| year = 1996| last1 = Hill | first1 = R. S. | last2 = Whang | first2 = S. S. }}</ref> The 35-million-year-old (Oligocene)  fossil was named ''[[Fitzroya tasmanensis|F. tasmanensis]]''. The finding demonstrates the ancient [[Floristics|floristic]] affinities between [[Australasian realm|Australasia]] and southern South America, which botanists identify as the [[Antarctic flora]].
A team of researchers from the [[University of Tasmania]] found [[fossil]]ized foliage of a ''Fitzroya'' species on the [[Lea River]] of northwest [[Tasmania]].<ref>{{Cite journal | doi = 10.1071/SB9960867| title = A new species of Fitzroya (Cupressaceae) from Oligocene sediments in north-western Tasmania| journal = Australian Systematic Botany| volume = 9| issue = 6| page = 867| year = 1996| last1 = Hill | first1 = R. S. | last2 = Whang | first2 = S. S. }}</ref> The 35-million-year-old (Oligocene)  fossil was named ''[[Fitzroya tasmanensis|F. tasmanensis]]''. The finding demonstrates the ancient [[Floristics|floristic]] affinities between [[Australasian realm|Australasia]] and southern South America, which botanists identify as the [[Antarctic flora]].


About 40 to 50 thousand years ago, during the [[interstadial]]s of the [[Llanquihue glaciation]], ''Fitzroya'' and other conifers had a much larger and continuous geographical extent than at present including the eastern lowlands of [[Chiloé Island]] and the area west of [[Llanquihue Lake]]. At present ''Fitzroya'' grow mainly at some altitude above sea level. ''Fitzroya'' stands near sea level are most likely [[relict (biology)|relicts]].<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Villagrán |first1=Carolina |last2=Leon |first2=Ana |last3=Roig |first3=Fidel A.|author-link1=Carolina Villagrán|date=2004 |title=Paleodistribution of the alerce and cypres of the Guaitecas during the interstadial stages of the Llanquihue Glaciation: Llanquihue and Chiloé provinces, Los Lagos Region, Chile |url=http://www.scielo.cl/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0716-02082004000100008 |journal=[[Andean Geology|Revista Geológica de Chile]] |volume=31 |issue=1 |pages=133–151 |doi=10.4067/S0716-02082004000100008 |access-date=13 November 2015|doi-access=free }}</ref>
About 40 to 50 thousand years ago, during the [[interstadial]]s of the [[Llanquihue glaciation]], ''Fitzroya'' and other conifers had a much larger and continuous geographical extent than at present including the eastern lowlands of [[Chiloé Island]] and the area west of [[Llanquihue Lake]]. At present ''Fitzroya'' grow mainly at some altitude above sea level. ''Fitzroya'' stands near sea level are most likely [[relict (biology)|relicts]].<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Villagrán |first1=Carolina |last2=Leon |first2=Ana |last3=Roig |first3=Fidel A.|author-link1=Carolina Villagrán|date=2004 |title=Paleodistribution of the alerce and cypres of the Guaitecas during the interstadial stages of the Llanquihue Glaciation: Llanquihue and Chiloé provinces, Los Lagos Region, Chile |url=http://www.scielo.cl/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0716-02082004000100008 |journal=[[Andean Geology|Revista Geológica de Chile]] |volume=31 |issue=1 |pages=133–151 |doi=10.4067/S0716-02082004000100008 |access-date=13 November 2015|doi-access=free }}</ref>
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''Fitzroya cupressoides'' wood has been found in the site of [[Monte Verde]], implying that it has been used since at least 13,000 years [[Before Present|before present]]. The [[Huilliche people]] are known to have used the wood for making tools and weapons.<ref name=ximena/> Its high durability despite its light weight is ideal for [[roof shingle]]s which can last longer than ordinary zinc counterparts.<ref name="M"/>
''Fitzroya cupressoides'' wood has been found in the site of [[Monte Verde]], implying that it has been used since at least 13,000 years [[Before Present|before present]]. The [[Huilliche people]] are known to have used the wood for making tools and weapons.<ref name=ximena/> Its high durability despite its light weight is ideal for [[roof shingle]]s which can last longer than ordinary zinc counterparts.<ref name="M"/>


By the time of the Spanish conquest of [[Chiloé Archipelago]] in 1567 most of the islands were covered by dense forest where ''F. cupressoides'' grew.<ref name=torrejon>{{Cite journal | doi = 10.4067/S0718-22442011000200006| title = Consecuencias de la tala maderera colonial en los bosques de alerce de Chiloé, sur de Chile (Siglos XVI-XIX)| journal = Magallania (Punta Arenas)| volume = 39| issue = 2| pages = 75| year = 2011| last1 = Torrejón g | first1 = F. | last2 = Cisternas v | first2 = M. | last3 = Alvial c | first3 = I. | last4 = Torres r | first4 = L. | doi-access = free }}</ref> The wood was economically important in colonial Chiloé and [[Valdivia Province|Valdivia]], which exported [[plank (wood)|planks]] to Peru.<ref name=Villalobos225>Villalobos ''et al''. 1974, p. 225.</ref> A single tree could yield 600 planks with a width of at least 0.5&nbsp;m and a length of 5&nbsp;m.<ref name=torrejon/> The wood was highly valued in Chile and Peru for its elasticity and lightness.<ref name=ximena>{{cite journal|author=Urbina, Ximena|author-link=Ximena Urbina|url=http://www.scielo.cl/pdf/magallania/v39n2/art05.pdf|title=Análisis Histórico-Cultural del alerce en la Patagonia Septentrional Occidental, Chiloé, siglos XVI al XIX|year= 2011|journal=[[Magallania]]|volume=39|issue=2|pages=57–73|doi=10.4067/S0718-22442011000200005|doi-access=free}}</ref> With the [[Destruction of the Seven Cities|destruction of Valdivia]] in 1599 Chiloé gained increased importance as the only locale that could supply the [[Viceroyalty of Peru]] with ''F. cupressoides'' wood, the first large shipment of which left Chiloé in 1641.<ref name="torrejon" />
By the time of the Spanish conquest of [[Chiloé Archipelago]] in 1567 most of the islands were covered by dense forest where ''F. cupressoides'' grew.<ref name=torrejon>{{Cite journal | doi = 10.4067/S0718-22442011000200006| title = Consecuencias de la tala maderera colonial en los bosques de alerce de Chiloé, sur de Chile (Siglos XVI-XIX)| journal = Magallania (Punta Arenas)| volume = 39| issue = 2| page = 75| year = 2011| last1 = Torrejón g | first1 = F. | last2 = Cisternas v | first2 = M. | last3 = Alvial c | first3 = I. | last4 = Torres r | first4 = L. | doi-access = free }}</ref> The wood was economically important in colonial Chiloé and [[Valdivia Province|Valdivia]], which exported [[plank (wood)|planks]] to Peru.<ref name=Villalobos225>Villalobos ''et al''. 1974, p. 225.</ref> A single tree could yield 600 planks with a width of at least 0.5&nbsp;m and a length of 5&nbsp;m.<ref name=torrejon/> The wood was highly valued in Chile and Peru for its elasticity and lightness.<ref name=ximena>{{cite journal|author=Urbina, Ximena|author-link=Ximena Urbina|url=http://www.scielo.cl/pdf/magallania/v39n2/art05.pdf|title=Análisis Histórico-Cultural del alerce en la Patagonia Septentrional Occidental, Chiloé, siglos XVI al XIX|year= 2011|journal=[[Magallania]]|volume=39|issue=2|pages=57–73|doi=10.4067/S0718-22442011000200005|doi-access=free}}</ref> With the [[Destruction of the Seven Cities|destruction of Valdivia]] in 1599 Chiloé gained increased importance as the only locale that could supply the [[Viceroyalty of Peru]] with ''F. cupressoides'' wood, the first large shipment of which left Chiloé in 1641.<ref name="torrejon" />


''Fitzroya cupressoides'' wood was the principal means of exchange in the trade with Peru, and even came to be used as a local currency, the [[real de alerce]], in Chiloé Archipelago.<ref name="ximena" /> It has been argued that the Spanish exclave of Chiloé prevailed over other Spanish settlements in Southern Chile due to the importance of alerce trade.<ref name="ximena" /><ref name=Otero73>Otero 2006, p. 73.</ref>
''Fitzroya cupressoides'' wood was the principal means of exchange in the trade with Peru, and even came to be used as a local currency, the [[real de alerce]], in Chiloé Archipelago.<ref name="ximena" /> It has been argued that the Spanish exclave of Chiloé prevailed over other Spanish settlements in Southern Chile due to the importance of alerce trade.<ref name="ximena" /><ref name=Otero73>Otero 2006, p. 73.</ref>
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  |pages      = 100–109
  |pages      = 100–109
  |url        = http://www.ecoscience.ulaval.ca/en/paper/fire-and-the-dynamics-of-fitzroya-cupressoides-alerce-forests-of-chile-s-cordillera-pelada
  |url        = http://www.ecoscience.ulaval.ca/en/paper/fire-and-the-dynamics-of-fitzroya-cupressoides-alerce-forests-of-chile-s-cordillera-pelada
|url-status    = dead
  |archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20140827141331/http://www.ecoscience.ulaval.ca/en/paper/fire-and-the-dynamics-of-fitzroya-cupressoides-alerce-forests-of-chile-s-cordillera-pelada
  |archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20140827141331/http://www.ecoscience.ulaval.ca/en/paper/fire-and-the-dynamics-of-fitzroya-cupressoides-alerce-forests-of-chile-s-cordillera-pelada
  |archive-date = 2014-08-27
  |archive-date = 2014-08-27
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*[http://www.florachilena.cl/Niv_tax/Gimnospermas/Cupressaceae/Fitzroya/Fitzroya.htm ''Fitzroya cupressoides'' in Encyclopedia of the Chilean Flora] (Spanish)
*[http://www.florachilena.cl/Niv_tax/Gimnospermas/Cupressaceae/Fitzroya/Fitzroya.htm ''Fitzroya cupressoides'' in Encyclopedia of the Chilean Flora] (Spanish)
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20130906120521/http://conifersaroundtheworld.com/blog/fitzroya_cupressoides_alerce Conifers Around the World: Fitzroya cupressoides – Alerce]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20130906120521/http://conifersaroundtheworld.com/blog/fitzroya_cupressoides_alerce Conifers Around the World: Fitzroya cupressoides – Alerce]
*[http://www.ents-bbs.org/viewtopic.php?f=44&t=3707 ents-bbs.org / Tall trees in Chile and Argentina?]
*[http://www.ents-bbs.org/viewtopic.php?f=44&t=3707 ents-bbs.org / Tall trees in Chile and Argentina?]{{Dead link|date=September 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}
*[http://www.ents-bbs.org/viewtopic.php?f=44&t=5176&sid=6bd9163ebc6e4b2dcbb7977ce3de583d ents-bbs.org / Chile Trip Part 3: Parque Nacional Alerce Andino]
*[http://www.ents-bbs.org/viewtopic.php?f=44&t=5176&sid=6bd9163ebc6e4b2dcbb7977ce3de583d ents-bbs.org / Chile Trip Part 3: Parque Nacional Alerce Andino] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160309043310/http://ents-bbs.org/viewtopic.php?&f=44&t=5176 |date=2016-03-09 }}
{{Cupressaceae}}
{{Cupressaceae}}
{{Taxonbar|from1=Q12981821|from2=Q847304}}
{{Taxonbar|from1=Q12981821|from2=Q847304}}
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[[Category:Flora of the Valdivian temperate forests]]
[[Category:Flora of the Valdivian temperate forests]]
[[Category:Species that are or were threatened by logging for timber]]
[[Category:Species that are or were threatened by logging for timber]]
[[Category:Trees of temperate climates]]

Latest revision as of 10:47, 22 December 2025

Template:Short description Template:Speciesbox

Fitzroya is a monotypic genus in the cypress family. The single living species, Fitzroya cupressoides, is a tall, long-lived conifer native to the Andes mountains and coastal regions of southern Chile, and only to the Argentine Andes, where it is an important member of the Valdivian temperate forests. Common names include lawal (in Mapudungun, Hispanicized as lahual),[1] alerce (Template:IPAc-es, "larch" in Spanish), and Patagonian cypress. The genus was named in honour of Robert FitzRoy.

The genus is ancient with it dating back to the Cretaceous of South America. Fossils are also known from the Paleogene of Tasmania, Australia (particularly from the now extinct Fitzroya tasmanensis).[2]

Description

Fitzroya cupressoides is the largest tree species in South America, normally growing to 40–60 m (130–200 ft) but occasionally more than 70 m (230 ft), and up to 5 m (16 ft) in trunk diameter. Its rough pyramidal canopy provides cover for the southern beech, laurel and myrtle. The largest known living specimen is Alerce Milenario in Alerce Costero National Park, Chile. It is more than 60 m (200ft) tall, with a trunk diameter of 4.26 m (14.2 ft). Much larger specimens existed before the species was heavily logged in the 19th and 20th centuries; Charles Darwin reported finding a specimen of 12.6m circumference (some 4.01m in diameter).Script error: No such module "Unsubst".

The leaves are in decussate whorls of three, 3–6 mm long (to 8 mm long on seedlings) and 2 mm broad, marked with two white stomatal lines. This is a dioecious species, with male and female cones on separate trees.[3] The cones are globose, 6–8 mm in diameter, opening flat to 12 mm across, with nine scales in three whorls of three. Only the central whorl of scales is fertile, bearing 2–3 seeds on each scale; the lower and upper whorls are small and sterile. The seeds are 2–3 mm long and flat, with a wing along each side. The seeds mature 6–8 months after pollination.

The thick bark of F. cupressoides may be an adaptation to wildfire.[4]

In 1993 a specimen from Chile, "Gran Abuelo" or "Alerce Milenario", was found to be 3622 years old, making it the second oldest fully verified (by counting growth rings) age for any living tree species, after the bristlecone pine.[5] More recent research proposed that this individual corresponds to the oldest tree in the world.[6]

A team of researchers from the University of Tasmania found fossilized foliage of a Fitzroya species on the Lea River of northwest Tasmania.[7] The 35-million-year-old (Oligocene) fossil was named F. tasmanensis. The finding demonstrates the ancient floristic affinities between Australasia and southern South America, which botanists identify as the Antarctic flora.

About 40 to 50 thousand years ago, during the interstadials of the Llanquihue glaciation, Fitzroya and other conifers had a much larger and continuous geographical extent than at present including the eastern lowlands of Chiloé Island and the area west of Llanquihue Lake. At present Fitzroya grow mainly at some altitude above sea level. Fitzroya stands near sea level are most likely relicts.[8]

History

Fitzroya cupressoides wood has been found in the site of Monte Verde, implying that it has been used since at least 13,000 years before present. The Huilliche people are known to have used the wood for making tools and weapons.[9] Its high durability despite its light weight is ideal for roof shingles which can last longer than ordinary zinc counterparts.[1]

By the time of the Spanish conquest of Chiloé Archipelago in 1567 most of the islands were covered by dense forest where F. cupressoides grew.[10] The wood was economically important in colonial Chiloé and Valdivia, which exported planks to Peru.[11] A single tree could yield 600 planks with a width of at least 0.5 m and a length of 5 m.[10] The wood was highly valued in Chile and Peru for its elasticity and lightness.[9] With the destruction of Valdivia in 1599 Chiloé gained increased importance as the only locale that could supply the Viceroyalty of Peru with F. cupressoides wood, the first large shipment of which left Chiloé in 1641.[10]

Fitzroya cupressoides wood was the principal means of exchange in the trade with Peru, and even came to be used as a local currency, the real de alerce, in Chiloé Archipelago.[9] It has been argued that the Spanish exclave of Chiloé prevailed over other Spanish settlements in Southern Chile due to the importance of alerce trade.[9][12]

File:Alercecosterovista.JPG
Fitzroya forest at Alerce Costero National Park, Chile.

From about 1750 to 1943, when the land between Maullín River and Valdivia was colonized by Spain and then Chile, numerous fires of Fitzroya woods occurred in Cordillera Pelada. These fires were initiated by Spaniards, Chileans and Europeans. Earlier, from 1397 to 1750 the Fitzroya woods of Cordillera Pelada also suffered from fires that originated from lightning strikes and indigenous inhabitants.[13]

In the 1850s and 1860s Vicente Pérez Rosales burned down huge tracts of forested lands to provide cleared lands for German settlers in Southern Chile.[14] The area affected by the fires of Pérez Rosales spanned a strip in the Andean foothills from Bueno River to Reloncaví Sound.[14] One of the most famous intentional fires was that of the Fitzroya forests between Puerto Varas and Puerto Montt in 1863.[15] This burning was done taking advantage of a drought in 1863.[15] Burnings of forest were in many cases necessary for the survival of the settlers who had no means of subsistence other than agriculture.[15]

Logging of Fitzroya continued until 1976[16] when it became forbidden by law, (with the exception of already dead trees and with the authorization of CONAF, a National Corporation) although illegal logging still occasionally occurs.

See also

References

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  1. ↑ a b Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  2. ↑ Script error: No such module "Citation/CS1".
  3. ↑ Gymnosperm Database – Fitzroya cupressoides
  4. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  5. ↑ Script error: No such module "Citation/CS1".
  6. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  7. ↑ Script error: No such module "Citation/CS1".
  8. ↑ Script error: No such module "Citation/CS1".
  9. ↑ a b c d Script error: No such module "Citation/CS1".
  10. ↑ a b c Script error: No such module "Citation/CS1".
  11. ↑ Villalobos et al. 1974, p. 225.
  12. ↑ Otero 2006, p. 73.
  13. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  14. ↑ a b Villalobos et al. 1974, p. 457.
  15. ↑ a b c Otero 2006, p. 86.
  16. ↑ Script error: No such module "Citation/CS1".

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Bibliography

  • Otero, Luis (2006). La huella del fuego: Historia de los bosques nativos. Poblamiento y cambios en el paisaje del sur de Chile. Pehuén Editores. Template:ISBN.
  • Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  • T.T. Veblen, B.R. Burns, T. Kitzberger, A. Lara and R. Villalba (1995) The ecology of the conifers of southern South America. Pages 120-155 in: N. Enright and R. Hill (eds.), Ecology of the Southern Conifers. Melbourne University Press.

External links

Template:Sister project

Template:Cupressaceae Template:Taxonbar

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