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Abstract:
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The Chilean palm, Jubaea chilensis (Front Cover), one of the most emblematic
tree species of the Chilean flora, has suffered a gradual reduction of its population
numbers in the last 150 years, with the estimated 120,000 palms that exist today
being no more than 2.5% of the existing population found at the beginning of
the 19th Century. From an economic point of view, this plant has been one of
the most prized species in the central zone of Chile due to its two valuable
products – its sap, the basis of the traditional palm honey industry, and its seeds
(mini-coconuts), which are also an important product for the food industry.
Along with a history of extensive use, there has been a drastic reduction of the
accompanying native vegetation due to anthropogenic activities, thus reducing
the appropriate habitats for the natural regeneration of this species. Given its
current ecological condition and the need to implement strategies that ensure
its conservation, it is necessary to evaluate current knowledge of the palm. This
article gives a general background of the species, i.e. biogeography, ecology and
history of use, and general recommendations are provided to ensure its persistence
in the central zone of Chile. |