Araucaria araucana and Salix humboldtiana: Two Species Highly Appreciated by the Society with Domestication Potential. 7.2. Salix humboldtiana: A Very Ancient Willow and the Only Native to Argentina

JAVIER SANGUINETTI; ANGELA MARTÍN; PAULA MARCHELLI; BIRGIT ZIEGENHAGEN; LEONARDO GALLO; FERNANDA IZQUIERDO; CLAUDIO MATTIONI

Low Intensity Breeding of Native Forest Trees in Argentina

Springer

Año: 2021; p. 192 - 214

This chapter deals with two emblematic species of the Argentine forests: Araucaria araucana, a conifer with a restricted distribution area and considered a living fossil, and Salix humboldtiana, a willow with a continental distribution but the only native to this country and particularly threatened in Patagonia. Each species is presented in a separate subchapter (7.1 and 7.2). For each species the main characteristics as well as natural distribution, ecology and reproductive biology are fully described. State of knowledge of the molecular genetic diversity at landscape level together with genetic variation at adaptive traits provide a general picture of the genetic structure of each species. Both are at risk of extinction due to past overexploitation, and different anthropogenic pressures currently menace their conservation. Araucaria araucana is protected under the red list of CITES, so its logging is forbidden. However, climate change, increase of habitat fragmentation and livestock pressure are threatening its persistence. Social and cultural aspects are also discussed, with particular reference to the traditional use of these species; the sacred nature of Pewen for the Mapuche Nation is highlighted. Regarding the native willow, a genetic swamping process caused by the invasion of exotic willows along the Patagonian rivers is described. They have the ability to hybridize spontaneously. Restoration, conservation and breeding strategies are related both with timber and non-timber forest products. The particular case of conservation through use in A. araucana is shown.