Abstract

We studied the wetland flora of the Cienagas del Name lagoons (Cauquenes, Maule Region, Chile), based on floristic criteria describing the taxonomic composition, attributes, origin and life forms of the flora. A total of 138 species were recorded, predominantly native. Taxonomically the flora consists of 5 classes, 55 families and 121 genera, representing the greatest diversity of flora recorded for coastal wetlands of central Chile. Phanerophytes, therophytes and hemicryptophytes were found in equivalent proportions, which correspond to the Mediterranean areas. Macrophytes represent only 14.49% of the total flora and the most important were Ceratophyllum chilense submerged aquatic plants and emerged Schoenoplectus californicus emerged swamps plant. The floristic comparison with other salt marsh coastal wetlands confirms its freshwater character, which is uncommon on the coastal region of central Chile. The analysis of the flora confirms the need for conservation measures to protect this important and special aquatic ecosystem and its surrounding areas.