Extremos geográficos de la distribución natural de Austrocedrus chilensis (Cupressaceae)

the "patagonian cypress" ( austrocedrus chilensis (d.don) pic. ser. et bizzarri) is the most economically important native conifer of the temperate forests of argentina. some inaccuracy was detected in the bibliography with respect to its latitudinal range, what motivates the present study. the location of the latitudinal extremes was determined based on bibliographic antecedents, local settlers' and experts' information, and field surveys. the northernmost extreme is located at 32o 39' s (region v of valparaíso, chile), while the southernmost extreme at 43o 44' s (chubut province, argentina). this 11 latitudinal grades range represents a distance of 1230 km. this broad latitudinal range and the fragmentary feature of its natural distribution area support the hypothesis of ecotypes for this species.