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)