Gomortega keule, the neglected and endangered Chilean fruit tree

作者：Munoz Concha Diego^*; Davey Michael R

来源：European Journal of Forest Research, 2011, 130(5): 677-693.

DOI：10.1007/s10342-010-0465-1

• Gomortega keule
• Conservation
• Domestication
• Endangered tree
• Neglected species

Gomortega keule (Mol.) Baillon is the only species belonging to the family Gomortegaceae and is regarded as an ancient surviving lineage within the Laurales. The tree is restricted to a small geographical area of the coast of central Chile, where it is in danger of extinction. Its edible fruits and excellent quality wood have been known from the earliest records of the species in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. This review consolidates many publications that are dispersed in the literature, covering aspects of taxonomy, morphology, systematics, propagation, biogeography, ecology, conservation and ethnobotany. Large gaps are present in our knowledge of the species, since many cited publications provide only brief descriptions or statements on diverse aspects of the tree. A limited number of publications represent formal research effort. Surprisingly, there is no major initiative aimed at the systematic cultivation of Gomortega, which is an excellent candidate for domestication, especially for fruit production.

• 出版日期2011-9