Native treesfor conservation andreforestation.

Visual exploration

The many layers of a forest

The canopy is only one part of a forest.

Trees, shrubs and low-growing plants create different environments. This vertical structure influences where wildlife finds resources. Explore the whole forest, then take a closer look at its lower layers.

Ecological relationship

One flower, one visitor

Notro and the green-backed firecrown meet around nectar.

The green-backed firecrown (Sephanoides sephaniodes) is among its pollinators in studied southern populations. While visiting flowers, it can transfer pollen. The visitors and their frequency vary between locations.

Natural process

Seeds on the move

Wildlife also helps shape the forest’s future.

Some animals carry seeds and contribute to their dispersal. Caring for these visitors’ habitat helps sustain a process on which many plants depend for regeneration.

A landscape perspective

Forests need neighbours too

Conservation extends beyond a property boundary.

FAO recommends reducing fragmentation and maintaining ecological connections between habitats. Considering a site alongside the surrounding forests helps guide action at a landscape scale.

Visual comparison

A protective covering

A raindrop lands differently on bare soil and on leaves.

Low-growing vegetation and leaf litter soften the impact of rain. Compare surface protection under two conditions in the same scene.

Below the surface

Water needs pathways

Soil structure matters as much as what we see above ground.

Water can infiltrate porous forest soils. Avoiding compaction and retaining organic matter help protect that structure.

An open question

More trees, more water?

Planting does not guarantee more available water.

Trees also use water and return some to the atmosphere. The balance depends on climate, soil and vegetation. Protecting water quality and increasing water quantity are different goals.

Where systems meet

Caring for riverbanks

Riverbank vegetation connects forests and water.

It can trap sediment and help protect banks. CONAF identifies soil, wetland and headwater conservation among the aims of native forest restoration.

Life in the soil

Leaves keep working

A fallen leaf changes form and rejoins the cycle.

Small invertebrates break plant remains into fragments; microorganisms continue their decomposition. Moisture, temperature and the material available influence this process.

Forest recovery

Sometimes, the first step is protection

A tree that grows on its own deserves care too.

Assisted natural regeneration reduces barriers such as grazing or fire. It can be combined with planting when the site and project aims call for it.

Before planting

First, get to know the site

Being native does not make a species suitable for every piece of land.

Define what you want to restore and observe light, moisture, soil and existing vegetation. Species and methods should respond to those conditions, with follow-up care planned from the start.

Practical care

Plant at the right depth

The first roots should be at ground level.

Find where the trunk widens and the first roots emerge. Burying that area too deeply can hinder establishment. Check the depth before filling the planting hole.

Practical care

Let the soil guide watering

A damp surface can hide dry roots.

Carefully check moisture beside the root ball before watering. Too much water can also cause harm, especially where drainage is poor. Adapt watering to the soil, climate and the plant’s establishment.

After planting

Return, observe, adapt

Planting is an intervention; recovery is a process.

Recording survival, growth and threats helps you assess what works and adjust care. Monitoring also includes vegetation that regenerates naturally.

Species story

Ulmo: flowers above the canopy

A rainforest tree that stands out when it blooms.

Its fragrant white flowers contrast with the foliage. Ulmo is part of the Valdivian forest of Chile and Argentina. Understanding that habitat is a useful starting point when considering where to plant it.

Before choosing. Check moisture, space for growth and protection during establishment.

Species story

Notro: red at the forest edge

Notro’s flowers also tell a story about where it grows.

In the populations described in Chiloé and Puerto Blest, it occurs at forest edges and in open areas. That observation invites us to consider light and surroundings before choosing its place.

Before choosing. Assess light, moisture and drainage for your location.

Botanical feature

Arrayán: bark that renews itself

Cinnamon colour is part of its appeal.

As it matures, the smooth bark peels in sheets to reveal paler patches. This texture makes arrayán rewarding to observe even when it is not flowering.

Before choosing. Sun or partial shade; soil with organic matter and good drainage.

Botanical discovery

Quillay: star-shaped fruit

Its dry fruit opens into a distinctive shape.

Quillay has persistent leathery leaves and fruit that opens into a star. Native to central Chile, it tolerates drought, but still needs care when first planted.

Before choosing. Sun to partial shade and well-drained soil; plan for watering during establishment.

Diversity within a species

Calafate: origin matters

Diversity within a species deserves protection too.

INIA Kampenaike maintains calafates from different environments in Magallanes in a living collection. Their genetic diversity is a reason to ask where plants come from.

Before choosing. Ask about plant origin and compatibility with your soil and light conditions.