Revista Chilena de Historia Natural 77 (1): 185-194, 2004
COMMENTARY
Metallophytes in Latin America: a remarkable biological and genetic resource scarcely known
and studied in the region
In Latin America, metallic ores are abundant and diverse. However, few metal-tolerant
and metal hyperaccumulator plants have been reported in the region in comparison with other areas of the world. This may be largely
explained by the scarcity of scientific studies of the native vegetation growing on natural mineralized or metal-contaminated areas and
the unfrequent use of biogeochemical prospecting techniques by the local mining industry, rather than the proven absence of these
plants. Latin America is, however, an area where metal-tolerant and hyperaccumulator plants (metallophytes) should be found, not only
because of the wealth of ore deposits and associated metal polluted areas, but also due to its high and unique plant diversity. If plant
formations developed over natural mineral outcrops are not evaluated before ore extraction, we can loose key metal tolerant species
and/or genotypes (ecotypes) forever which may be useful for the mitigation of environmental problems generated by the mining
industry itself (e.g., phytoextraction, phytostabilization, and phytomining).
Key words:
hyperaccumulators,
metal-tolerant plants, biodiversity, metal ores, biogeochemistry
