Experts called on the community not to cut down the Chilean palm, since it is expected that both the species and the surrounding sclerophyllous forest will regrow.
With a call not to cut down the Chilean palm, experts explained the resurgence of this species, following the fire that occurred in Viña del Mar, Valparaíso region.
They pointed out that of the 100% of Chilean palms that existed before 1800, today that figure is 2.5%, mainly due to urban expansion.
After the fire that occurred in Viña del Mar that affected the flora and fauna of the sector, the Botanical Garden reported on the resurgence of the Chilean Palm.
Pascual Flores, director of the Kan-Kan Foundation, mentioned that it is an endemic species to the country, adding that before the fire they were in the flowering stage.
In this sense, he explained that this species is resilient to fire, which can withstand temperatures of up to 500 degrees, and it takes a few months to green once more.
Regarding the above, he pointed out that it is a long-lived and slow-growing species, since, he added, at approximately 30 years of age the trunk becomes noticeable, while at 90 years of age, it begins to bear fruit.
For his part, Cristian Atala, professor at the Institute of Biology of the Catholic University of Valparaíso, explained that the palm grows from the center of the upper part.
Meanwhile, he made a call to avoid the commercialization and purchase of palm seeds, so that regeneration can be generated.
It should be noted that of the 100% of Chilean palms that existed before 1800, today that figure is 2.5%, mainly due to urban expansion.
