Distribution and ecotypic differentiation of Fragaria chiloensis in Chile

Abstract

Two botanical forms of F. chiloensis ssp. chiloensis have been recognized in Chile (Staudt, 1962): f. patagonica (referred to as Lahueñe in Chile), for the wild taxon with red small fruit common in Chile and Argentina, and f. chiloensis (previously referred to as Quelghen or Kellen in Chile), for the cultivated taxon of white and large fruit size, which is found in Chile, Peru, Ecuador and Colombia, probably carried from Chile by the Spanish conquerors (Hancock et al., 1999). The latter was domesticated by ancient inhabitants of Chile before the arrival of Spanish conquerors, and is still cultivated in small plantings [e.g. at Buchupureo (lat. 36°S), Cañete (lat. 37°30´S), Puerto Saavedra (lat. 38°46´S), Carahue (lat. 38°43´S)] along the coast of central-south Chile, in Mediterranean type climates