THE NOTRO - FIREBUSH (EMBOTRIUM COCCINEUM) AND ITS CONTRIBUTION TO BIODIVERSITY
- Marcelo de Cruz
- Mar 23
- 4 min read
The Notro - Firebush (Embotrium coccineum) is an iconic plant of the Fuegian Patagonian Andean Forest, a unique ecosystem at the southernmost tip of South America. The Notro grows both as a shrub, forming dense vegetative covers, and as a tree in older individuals, significantly contributing to the forest's structure.
The staggered blooming of the Notro is also an interesting phenomenon. In spring, a first group of branches blooms, allowing pollinator species to access nectar early in the season. Later, in March, another group of branches blooms, ensuring that the plant provides floral resources over several seasons. The interaction between the Notro and its frugivores is a symbiotic relationship that benefits both the plant and the animals that depend on its fruits for food.
One of the most notable features of this plant is its ability to host and foster a wide variety of fauna. The blooming of the Notro is key to this phenomenon. During spring, a select group of branches produces vibrant red flowers, attracting a diverse range of pollinating insects. This phenomenon also occurs again in autumn, though with less intensity. The staggered blooming can be considered an adaptive strategy that ensures a continuous supply of floral resources over an extended period, providing temporary shelter and a constant food source for local species.
It is worth noting that during the first blooming period, one of the most interesting inhabitants of the Patagonian Andean forest that takes advantage of this is the Cachaña - Austral Parakeet (Enicognathus ferrugineus), a bird that approaches in flocks to feed on the flowers and nectar of the Notro. During this time, the Cachañas prepare for reproduction, increasing their nutrient intake before splitting into pairs and seeking the hollows of older trees, where they establish their nests. This behavior is crucial for their reproductive cycle, as the pre-reproductive conditions are essential for the health of the birds.
Additionally, other frugivorous and nectarivorous birds, such as the Cabecita Negra Patagónica – Black-chinned Siskin (Spinus barbatus), the Comesebo Patagónico – Patagonian Sierra Finch (Phrygilus patagonicus), and the Chingolo – Rufous-collared Sparrow (Zonotrichia capensis), also take advantage of the Notro flowers as a food source. Interestingly, although these birds depend on the flowers for nourishment, they also play a role in seed dispersal and indirect pollination of the plant.
In the case of insectivorous birds, the blooming of the Notro attracts a wide variety of species that feed on the insects inhabiting its surroundings. Notable among them are the Rayadito - Thorn-tailed Rayadito (Aphrastura spinicauda), the Ratona Común - Southern House Wren (Troglodytes aedon), the Cachudito - Tufted Tit Tyrant (Anairetes parulus), the Diucon - Fire Eyed Diucon (Pyrope pyrope), the Peutren – Patagonian Tyrant (Colorhamphus parvirostris), Zorzal Patagónico – Austral Thrush (Turdus falcklandii), and the Fio-fio - White Crested Elaenia (Elaenia albiceps), which, although not frugivorous, feed on the insects found in the plant.
This diversity of insectivores and frugivores, along with the pollinators and other species, constitutes a rich resource for various trophic levels in the ecosystem. In this sense, an important predator benefiting from the abundance of birds is the Caburé Austral - Austral Pygmy Owl (Glaucidium nana).
Two species show a more complex migratory pattern related to the blooming of the Notro. The Peutren (Mimus patagonicus) and the Picaflor (Trochilus spp.) exhibit seasonal migration behaviors toward areas where the Notro blooms abundantly.
PEUTREN - PATAGONIAN TYRANT - AND ITS ALTITUDINAL MIGRATION
The observed behavior of the Peutren suggests that not every year, during the spring-summer period, is it found in the lower areas of the forest, and its presence is rather irregular. This season, a pair of Peutren was recorded with their chick, occupying the vegetation boundary area. It is presumed that the Peutren undergoes an altitudinal migration, moving to higher areas during certain periods of the year, especially in the reproductive season. However, during the late February, March, and April months, it is abundantly observed in the lower areas where the Notros grow.
GREEN BACKED FIRECROWN AND ITS RELATIONSHIP WITH THE NOTRO BLOOMING
On the other hand, the Green Backed Firecrown (Sephanoides sephanoides) shows a different migratory pattern, moving southward in spring-summer (Islas Navarino and Hoste) and northward at the end of autumn-winter. On its migratory route, it takes advantage of the blooming of the Notro. It has been observed that the Picaflor approaches certain areas where Notro flowers abound during the late months of February, March, and April.
The blooming of these species is a key factor attracting the Picaflor, which feeds primarily on their nectar. The relationship between the blooming of these plants and the migration or movement of the Picaflor is a strategy to take advantage of the abundance of floral resources at different times of the year.
In addition to being a resource for pollinators and insect hunters, the fruits of the Notro play a crucial role in the diet of various frugivorous species. These fruits contain seeds that serve as food for several birds, contributing to the seed dispersal cycle in the region.
In summary, the Notro is not only a characteristic species of the Fuegian Patagonian Andean forest, but it also plays an essential role in the region's biodiversity. By attracting a wide variety of species and providing habitat and floral and fruit resources in a staggered manner, it is key to sustaining the ecological interdependence of the ecosystem.
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