Expansion of the distribution range of Asplenium trilobum Cav (Polypodiopsida, Aspleniaceae) in the Mediterranean forest of the Chilean coast

Abstract

The biodiversity hotspot of central Chile is home to a high proportion of endemic species, but some of these species are inconspicuous and not easily observed. During a botanical exploration in the Los Queules National Reserve (Chile), a population of Asplenium trilobum Cav. was identified. The plants were found growing on the bark of a Myrceugenia parvifolia (DC.) Kausel tree in a small swamp next to specimens of Drimys winteri J.R.Forst. & G.Forst. (35°59'11.84"S; 72°41'11.53"W). Several previously unrecorded species were found, including Carex cf. excelsa Poepp. ex Kunth, Chusquea cf. quila Kunth, Ercilla cf. spicata (Bertero) Moq., and Boquila trifoliolata (DC.) Decne., highlighting the importance of exploring and documenting this biodiversity hotspot. The discovery in this wilderness area extends the distribution 86 km north on the continent, which was previously limited to the east of the municipality of Penco in the Biobío region (36°44'9.26"S; 72°57'42.5"W). This paper presents an observed specimen, its locality, and associated species.