You've probably seen these plants along the way from Santiago to Viña del Mar or Valparaiso, or in many other spots in the Region of Valparaiso. They are a very rare and important native species of this country, one vulnerable due to the advancement of the human intervention on the natural land.
The first time I could see one of them in person, I was amazed by how this plant develops such a beautiful structure under such hard conditions. I personally consider it a very rare and marvellous plant, and a natural heritage that we must know and care.
The Chagual is a native plant that can reach up to 2 meters high and that grows in hills, mountains, as well as in coastal hillsides, mostly in Central Chile. The stem (spear) of the flower is eatable; delicious salads and tasty marmalades can be made out of it. It is also used for various natural remedies, specially its gum, produced in the flower peduncles for the bite of the Castnia psittacus butterfly's caterpillar.
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| Isn't it beautiful? |
This species can be found in many places along the central Chilean coast. Its messy look and its amazing, exotic flowers make it one of the most gorgeous native plants in Chile. However, the first impression can be rather disappointing, since its spear is usually eaten by the Mariposa del Chagual's caterpillar, drying the flowers and giving it a burned-like look. This caterpillar may be considered more like a plague, but once it reaches maturity, pollinates and extends the life of this native species.
We'll see this and more when we explore one of our exciting routes again. Hope you join us and see you soon!
Bato Explora
The excitement of an interesting trip
