Abstract

This article reports the finding of eleven plant species, typical to the temperate Chilean rainforests north of the Maule river, in the ravines of Estero La Puerta (35°19′02″S / 72°15′39″W) and Estero Infernillo (35°14′15″ S / 72°10′20″ W), within the Coastal Mountains of the VII Region, Chile. The Maule River today is assumed as a natural barrier for the distribution of many elements of the temperate rainforests, which currently dominate landscapes further south. Therefore the presence these species within the ravines of Estero La Puerta and Estero Infernillo not only implies an extensions of their known distribution range. It also provides further evidence to the scientific discussions about the reach of flora migration during the ice ages, the historical and current biogeographic boundaries as well as the selection of priority sites for nature conservation. © 2008 Universidad de Concepción.