The Katalapi Fern
The katalapi fern is abundant within the park
The katalapi ferm (Blechnum magellanicum (Desv. Mett. :Blechnaceae), is common in Katalapi Park. Normaly, its rhizome forms a trunk that may reach up to 1,5 m height It is the only arborescent fern in continental Chile. It is endemic to the forests of Chile and Argentina. In Chile, it is found from Maule Region to the Southern most islands of the Austral Region. It is usually found in humid and shaded places from sea level to about 2000 Se encuentra en lugares húmedos sombríos y de semisombra, desde el nivel del mar hasta poco más de los 2000 m de altitude. Katalapi tpark has borrow its from this beatiful fern. The name Katalapi corresponds to the actual name (Kätalapi) given by original natives of the Austral zone of Chile.
More information in : Rodríguez Ríos R., Alarcón Abarca D. y Espejo Cardemil J. Helechos Nativos del Centro y Sur de Chile (Guía de Campo) http://issuu.com/chilebosque/docs/rodriguez-alarcon-espejo.2009.helechos_de_chile
An old katalapi fern showing its grown rhizome (trunk)
