Data

• Fitzroya cupressoides or "Alerce"
• Text by: R. Urrutia-Jalabert
• Photo: Y. Malhi, A. Lara, A. Farías

Description

Fitzroya cupressoides or Alerce is the only species of this genus, the longest-lived tree of the Southern Hemisphere reaching more than 3600 years, and one of the most compelling tree species of southern South America. Fitzroya is a slow growing tree that inhabits rainy and poor soil sites in southern Chile and adjacent areas of Argentina. It can reach large sizes, up to 50 m height and 4 m diameter, so large amounts of carbon can be stored for several centuries in pristine forests. Due to its past over exploitation and forest fires it is currently endangered and illegal cuttings still threat its conservation.