Valparaíso

Valparaíso Region, the third most populated in Chile, is bordered to the north by Coquimbo, to the southeast by the Metropolitan, and to the extreme south-west by O'Higgins Region. Administratively the Region includes the Pacific islands of Easter Island, the Desventuradas Islands, Salas y Gómez Islands and the Juan Fernández Archipelago. Historically, the Region has been important as a place for exchanging ideas, cultures and trade. The ports of Valparaíso and San Antonio are principal administrative centres for mining and agriculture and most local tourism is concentrated along the coast. The Region represents a transition between the semi-arid and the temperate Mediterranean climates, hence it is a very rich in plant species diversity with almost 700 endemics. However, the native vegetation has been highly modified due to drought and frequent fires as an indirect result of Climate Change. Notable centres for important biodiversity are La Campana National Park, where the largest population of Chilean palm (Jubaea chilensis) is protected; El Boldo Reserve (above Zapallar), which protects cloud forest where Citronella mucronata and Myrceugenia correifolia can be found. Even though the peninsular mound known as Santuario de La Naturaleza Cerro de la Cruz in front of Zapallar is only 8.5 ha, it is home to 27 endemic plant species including the colourful Puya venusta and the myrtle Myrceugenia rufa.

The Endemic Plants of Chile

Endemic Taxa in Valparaíso

Endemic taxa only occurring in Valparaíso