Abstract

The Nevados of Chillan have historically been an almost obligatory point of visit and study for many botanists since their native flora is extremely interesting, due to its subtropical origin, its high level of endemism and its high-Andean character. At present, there is a high degree of disruption due to anthropogenic pressure in various sectors because of property business and tourism in particular. In this mountains are two protected wildlife areas, the National Reserve Ñuble and the National Reserve Los Huemules de Niblinto. The vascular flora of the Nevados of Chillan is represented by 616 species, of which 422 are native, 128 are endemic to Chile and 66 are introduced. The Asteraceae family is the best represented with 116 species. Among the most characteristic species of this area are: Boopis graminea, Bipinnula volkmannii, Calceolaria volckmannii, Caltha sagittata, Chillania pusilla, Orites myrtoidea, Pilostyles berteroi, Prumnopitys andina, Puya alpestris, Senecio chillanensis, among others.