Maule

To the north the Maule Region borders O’Higgins and to the south it borders Ñuble; it is named after the River Maule which is 240 km long and forms the fourth largest river basin in Chile. The upper Maule Valley is a very important area for endemic species. In the Andes, the Peteroa, Descabezado Grande and Descabezado Chico volcanoes are some of the most prominent with peaks over 4,000 metres. In the foothills, forests have developed over substrates formed by volcanic deposits and the action of rivers and glaciers - this area is known as La Montana. Protected areas for vegetation which represent the transition zone between sclerophyllous forests of the north and temperate forests to the south, can be found Radal Siete Tazas and Altos de Lircay National Parks. The Intermediate Depression is where most of the population resides and is the centre for agriculture and rural traditions. In the coastal mountains there are extensive plantations of exotic forestry which are threatening unique areas with local endemic trees species including Gomortega keule, Pitavia punctata and Nothofagus alessandrii. The latter, which is protected in Los Ruiles National Reserve, is endemic to the Region and is one of Chile's most threatened tree species. Almost 50 species are endemic to Maule which includes 27 species of Calceolaria. Almost 500 endemic species occur in the Maule Region of which 27 are unique.

The Endemic Plants of Chile

Endemic Taxa in Maule

Endemic taxa only occurring in Maule