Abstract

Peumus boldus Mol., which belongs to the Monimiaceae family, is an evergreen endemic tree characteristic of the sclerophytic forest of the Chilean mediterranean region. Traditionally used as firewood and charcoal, this species usually simulates shrub characteristics, because of its ability to sprout from the trunk. The principal interest lays in the active compounds of a wide therapeutic use synthesized by its leaves. Boldo is wild harvested, which induced its domestication to reduce the disruption of natural ecosystems and improve the quality of the harvested products. The study objective was to morphologically characterize three boldo provenances, to determinate parameters which could be considered on future genetic selection. A series of morphological parameters were measured for individuals of the three origins cultivated at the Universidad de Talca. The morphological characteristics associated with plant architecture were principally influenced by the environment, while the characteristics associated with leaf morphology respond to genetic information modulated differentially by the environment.