Ecosystems and locations on the Huequi Peninsula and Andean Fjords, Northern Chilean Patagonia.

 The Huequi Peninsula and Comau or Leptepu Fjord is located in the central-north sector of the Palena Province, Lake District of Chile. This reserve extends from the Argentinean border in the Andes to the Pacific Ocean.

Traditionally Palena Province has been referred to as Continental Chiloé, being considered a cultural and geographical extension of the Islands of Chiloé.

Given the fact that this territory bounds to western slopes of the Andes Mountain, the altitudinal level is the key factor determining the different ecosystems. Thus, we can clearly identify three different environments: Mountain Ecosystems, Slopes and glacial valley bottoms, and Coastal ecosystem.

Mountain ecosystem.

The mountain ecosystems, reaching the eastern third of this territory, are formed geologically of granite rocks, which even though they have been eroded by glaciations, have altitudes above 1.500 m ( 4.921,26 ft). The abrasive power of the ice has generated topography of rugged shapes and serrated hilltops. It is easy to recognize ancient glacial cirques that are currently high altitude lakes.

The weather in this ecosystem is characterized by a cold winter season, with minimum absolute temperatures between -25°C ( -13,00°F) and -5°C ( 23,00°F) and maximum winter temperatures not exceeding 0°C (32,00°F). Also, during the summer, it barely reaches 5°C ( 41,00 °F). These temperatures explain why the majority of the mountain ecosystems, especially the highest areas, are permanently covered in snow. The climate in the mountain ecosystem includes permanent rain and snow precipitation, and thus is considered a wet zone. The vegetation, although scare and confined to lower areas, exhibits characteristics of tundra. Since the ground remains frozen most of the year, the vegetation has a short growing season. The predominant groups are cyperaceous, juncaceous, and lichens. When the forest is present, it is either dominated by Lenga or more rarely by Cypress de la cordillera.

A forest receives the name of Lenga (Nothofagus pumulio) when more than 50% of the individuals belong to this species. This tree species can withstand snowfall and the low temperatures present at high altitudes. At the highest altitudes within its range (1000 to 1500 m, 3.280,84 to 4.921,26 ft), Lenga is usually stunted and found in association with bushes, mosses and lichens. In lower areas, it can form single species forest.

Slopes and glacial valley bottoms.

Since these valley ecosystems are found at lower altitudes than those of the Mountain ecosystem, they are an intermediate stage between the latter and the coastal ecosystem. Geologically they consist of granite rocks, fairly abraded by glaciations (on hillside), and by sedimentary deposits from the parent rocks (on valley bottoms). These deposits, usually fine sediment, show geological form such as sedimentary cones or infilling the valley bottoms. The hillside environment is a rather unstable ecosystem, given its slope and the state of the rocks, constantly generating massive rockslides. In fact, some studies have shown that rockslides are one of the natural processes that control plant succession in this environment.

The climate in this ecosystem is more moderate than that of the Mountain ecosystem. Since the altitude is lower, the ocean has a greater influence. In addition, there are some lakes that also serve to moderate the temperatures. These conditions generate a smaller thermal oscillation throughout the year. Here, the minimum media temperature is above -10°C ( 14,00°F), with maximum temperatures in the winter above 0°C ( 32,00°F). The pattern of precipitation is similar to that of the coastal range, with an annual rainfall of about 1800mm ( 70,8661 in), generally in liquid form, as opposed to the Mountain ecosystem’s snowfall. June is the rainiest month, although there is never really a dry season.

The vegetation in this environment is characterized by evergreen forest or temperate rainforest, and to a lesser extent, forest of “Alerce”. The rainforest is, without a doubt, the most common vegetation in these areas.

This type of forest is very diverse and has uncountable variations. The temperate rainforest requires a climate with no dry season and high levels of precipitation. Its diversity allows the observation of up to 5 multi-specific strata. In the highest strata there are Tepa (Laurelia philippiana), Luma (Amomyrtus luma), Canelo (Drimys winteri), Tineo (Weinmannia trichosperma), and Arrayan (Luma apiculata).

The lower strata are composed of Quila (Chiquita quila), Tepú (Tepualia stipularis). On the forest floor we find ferns, herbaceous plant, and mosses. In all area the Alerce has been the most affected by human action. In middle of the 20 th century there were commercial timber operations, because of the high quality of its wood. Under natural conditions, the Alerce forest can be found as isolated trees or single-species stands.

The Alerce requires similar conditions to those needed by evergreen forest; thus, the species of both groups intermingle in the lower part of its range. At the highest part of range (about 1000 m, 3.280,84 ft) it is often stunted and grows in association with the Coihue de Magallanes (Nothofagus betuloides).

Coastal ecosystem.

Thanks to the presence of the sea, the coastal range has much more moderate climate than the Mountain ecosystem. The annual mean temperature is around 10 °C ( 50,00 °F), with average minimum of 3 °C ( 37,40 °F). The annual rainfall is around 2000 mm ( 78,7402 in), with no dry season, and no month receiving less than 100 mm ( 3,9370 in). June is the wettest month, usually with liquid precipitation. The climatic conditions favour the development of dense vegetation that in most cases is limited only at the coast by the action of the tides.

On the coast the predominant forest species are the same as those described above for the lower altitude template rainforest, and the Ciprés de las Guaitecas.

With regard to the variety of trees in the rainforest along the coast, in addition to the above-mentioned species, it is necessary to add the Coihue (Nothofagus dombery). This specie is particularly well-suited for wet environments. The Ciprés de las Guaitecas is a conifer that grows well at low altitude, near the coast or along rivers banks. As it prefers wet areas, it is usually associated with mosses.

It may be found in single-species forests or associated with Tepú (T.stipularis), Canelo (D. wintery), Notro or Ciruelillo (Embothrium coccineum) or Avellano (Gevuina avellana).


Adapted of his original, with the authors' authorization: “BIRDS OF HUINAY”, a Field guide to Continental Chiloé and the Islands, Marco Cisternas, Daniel Martinez.

Most important trees species of the Patagonia rainforest

Alerce: Fitzroya cuppresides, known as Alerce or Lahuán, has leaves disposed like scales an in verticiles of tree leaves in hirsute twigs. With small greenish cones at the end of the twigs. Leaves with white stripes on the back of the leaves. The young and isolated trees generally have branches that reach the ground; on the other hand, the mature trees have a big trunk which more –than 4 m ( 13,12 ft) of diameter, with 40 m ( 131,23 ft) of height. The bark is reddish and fibroid. It is the most longevous tree in Chile, reaching more than 3000 years of age.

Tepa: Laurelia philippiana, known as Tepa, Laurelia or Huahuán, has simple opposite leaves, with an elliptical to oval lancelet shape, very similar to those of Laurel, but with a strongly serrated margin and with a stronger smell than that of Laurel. The flowers, similar to those of Laurel, appear earlier, in September, and the fruit, also the same type, are smaller and without peduncles or with very short ones; the seeds are also very small. Tree 30 or more meters high and with a diameter de 1,50 m ( 4,92 ft) or more, which usually grow in the middle height areas in the mountain ranges.

Laurel : Laurelia sempervirens, knows as Laurel or Trihue, has simple opposite leaves, with a slightly serrated margin, elliptical to oval-lancelet shape. trees which can reach a height of 40 m ( 131,23 ft) and a diameter of 2 m ( 6,56 ft), with straight cylindrical trunks when they grow in the forest. The clear bark is typical for presenting concavities and figures in the adult trees.

Luma: Amomyrtus luma, known as Luma, has simple opposite leaves, with an entire margin and an elliptical to oval-lancelet shape. Similar to those of Arrayan, they are more lengthened and very fragrant. The new twigs are pubescent (with small hairs). The flowers are white, abundant between September and November, similar to those of Arrayan, but with 5 petals instead of 4. The fruits are bright black edible berries, round, and with five sepals which remain from the calyx in its extreme. Trees which can reach a height of 20 m ( 65,62 ft) and a diameter of more than 50 cm ( 19,69 in). It is usually present with creeping or horizontal trunks on the soil and with roots in the air like stilts in wet areas. The bark, clear and with removed plates, is characteristic and often covered with ferns and mosses.

Canelo: Drimys wintery, known as Canelo or Foique, has simple alternate leaves, of entire margin and abovate and tranceolate shapes, with a light green color in the upper side and light bluish on the reverse side. Between September and November the trees cover themselves with white flowers in dense racemes. Later, between March and April, the fruit appear; they are brown or black berries with black bright seeds inside. It is a beautiful tree, sacred for de Mapuches, which can reach a height of 30 m ( 98,43 ft) and a diameter of 1 m ( 3,28 ft), live in different altitudes, but always associated with humidity.


Tineo: Weinmannia trichosperma, known as Tineo, Tenío and Palo Santo, has beautiful pinnate imparipinnate leaves with a part of the leaf with a rhomboidal shape between each pair of opposite and serrated folioles.

Its white flowers appear, in December and when they become red capsules (fruit) in summer, they give the whole tree a reddish color. It is one the broad-leaved tree which reaches a bigger size (40 to 50 m height and 2 m diameter).



Arrayan: Luma apiculata, known as Arrayan or Palo Colorado, has simple opposite leaves, with an entire margin and elliptical shape; they sometimes have a point like a thorn in the apex, flat and with the central nerve like a notorious furrow. They are very fragrant. The white flowers, with four petals and many stamens, cover the trees and the end of spring and in summer. The fruit which can be seen at the end of summer and in autumn, are round or oval berries, black, bright, and with rests of four sepal calyxes on the extreme. They are trees which can reach a height of 15 or more meters in the wet forests, but which are generally seen cultivated like shrubs or small trees. It is typical to see the red bark with shedding which leave white stains.




Tepú: Perennial tree or shrub, which attains a height of 7m ( 22,97 ft), of very dense foliage and twisted trunk.
Bark color reddish.





Coihue de Magallanes: Nothofagus betuloides, as known as Coigüe or Coihue de Magallanes, has simple alternate leaves, with an elliptical oval to round shape, some times very similar to those of common Coigüe. The serrate margin tends to be dentate. In the areas where there is more than one these three Coigües, it is difficult to distinguish them clearly because they all produce hybrids among themselves. Very similar to other Coigües, especially the common one, it can be sometimes distinguished, in the places where there might exist confusion with other Coigües species because of its flatter bark.



Ciprés de las Guaitecas. Pilgerodendron uviferum, known as Ciprés de las Guaytecas, has leaves dispose like scales in rows of two and in an alternate opposite disposition in hirsute twigs. Leaves with out white stripes on the back of the leaf. The trees are generally small, but under optimal conditions they can reach 30- 40 m of height and 1 m of diameter in the trunk. The bark is similar to that of Alerce, but no reddish. It forms pure and mixed forest in very wet and marshy places.








Ciprés de la cordillera: Austrocedrus chilensis, has leaves ordered like scales in flattened twigs. The fruit are small cones, of greenish color, which ripen in January and February. Once dried they open and disperse flying seeds. Frequently the trees have ramifications (branches) that reach the ground, but in dense forest they have trunks free the branches.





Coigüe o Coihue: Nothofagus dombeyi, has simple alternate leaves with lanceolate to oval-lanceolate short shapes, smaller in general than those of Coigüe de Chiloé. In some trees the leaves acquires a leaden-silver color. The bark is grey, relatively thin with long longitudinal fissures which form narrow plates. At the summer and some years many very small seeds in relation to the size of the tree fall to the soil. They are the biggest broad leaved trees in the Chilean forest, reaching a height of 50 m and a diameter of 4 m or more at the breast height. The base of tree forms spurs sometimes of a big diameter. It inhabits moderately wet environments.

Notro or Ciruelillo: Embothrium coccineum, has simple alternate leaves, with entire margin and variable shapes which go from elliptical and short to long oval-lanceolate, with a dark green color. In October the tree are covered wit beautiful red flowers which become greenish fruit called follicles; these follicles open once ripe leaving the flying seeds free. They are relatively small trees which invade open lands; nevertheless, big isolated trees are found in the forest; the bark is flat and bright.


Avellano: Gevuina avellana, has imparipinnate leaves with big irregularly dentate folioles with a bright dark green color. Between January and March its white flowers in beautiful inflorescences can be seen. At the same time the edible fruits or avellanas coming from the previous year hang in racemes; they are red at the beginning and they ripen, dark brown. The trees, which can reach a height of more than 20 m, have a beautiful aspect. Within the forest they can be recognized due to its more or less smooth bark with white spots.

Úlmo: Eucryphia cordifolia, has simple opposite leafs in an oblong shape with hearth-shapes base and seriating margin. The leaves are disposed in opposite form, crosswise or in dense twigs. It blooms usually between the end of January and March, the tree being covered with big flowers four petals with many white stamens. The fruit are ovoid capsules which open in several divisions when they ripen. Trees of big size, with a height of more than 40 m and diameter of 2 m which occupy they inhabit.


Lenga: Nothofagus pumilio, has simple alternate leaves, whit and oval shape, crenellated margin and parallel nerves; each pair de nerves enclosing two lobes. They are dark green. They leaves are deciduous and become red in autumn, before falling. The Lenga cupules have only two narrow valves with one fruit, instead of three, on the inside. The bark is variable, rug-like, sometimes similar to that of Cigüe. Trees between 15 to 30 m high, according to where it inhabits and with a diameter of more than 1 m, with stratified ramification like that of Coigüe.

Pictures property of: Carlos Le-Quesne, Darian Stark, gallery Lodge El Avellano
The original contents of images finds in:
http://www.forecos.cl/faunadechile
Use authorized by: Mr. Darian Stark

Fly fishing | Bird watching | Flora observation trails in the rain forest | Trekking and hiking |
Marine wildlife observation and sea boating | Horseback riding | Sea Kayaking | Ethnic - cultural tours | Wildlife observation - Patagonia fauna Chile

El Avellano lodge facilities and services | Location, maps | Getting to Ayacara |
Activities and excursions | All inclusive packages | Tailor-made trips | Price list | Contact us, booking | About us | Chilean Patagonia ecosystems | Weather | Chile and Ayacara | Photo gallery | Guest book | Interesting links | Home

Our website has been translated into English by non-native speakers, please let us know about any translation error to improve our website.

Photos:1999-2005© Gastón Gallardo & Marcos Gallardo
It is forbidden to copy partially or the whole design without express authorization of K2 webdesign or the photographer
Design and development 1999 - 2005© K2 webdesign All copyright reserved