Free post 2 (Alerce)

Right now I want to write about one of my favorite trees, the Alerce (Fitzroya cupressoides). It is an evergreen tree, belonging to the Cupressaceae family. Endemic and monotypic genus of Chile and Argentina, it grows exclusively in the X Region from Valdivia to Palena between 20-1.400 mamsl. It can reach up to 45 m high and has a narrow crown with a pyramidal habit and a straight trunk whose diameter can exceed 4 m. The Alerce can live over 3600 years, being the second longest species in the world surpassed only by Pinus longaeva, from California, USA.

Larch wood has a dark brown to reddish brown heartwood, homogeneous, with very differentiated, thin and notoriously wavy growth rings. Its pronounced grain is notable for its fine texture. In addition its natural durability is remarkable, being highly resistant to attack by fungi and insects. This made it considered a high value noble wood in Chile, however, this species has been logged since the mid 17th century, causing the removal of more than half of the surface occupied by Alerce.

Nowadays, not only its cutting is prohibited, but also the sale of wood. It is a species in conservation category, besides being a national monument and having a forest type that bears its name.