Valdivian temperate rainforests of Chile and Argentina

Abstract

At first glance, the Valdivian temperate rainforest of Chile and Argentina (see figure 5-1) is a mirror image of the Pacific Coast of North America in appearance and climate, but upon closer inspection this strikingly unique rainforest is dominated by broadleaf evergreen flowering trees that evolved in near complete isolation from the temperate forests of the Northern Hemisphere. This is truly a region worthy of global recognition.