with Dr. Robert Haller, Botanist, Santa Barbara Botanic Garden

Monday, August 21, 2000

Chile and Argentina stretch for 2,500 miles from north to south, and if placed in North America, would reach from Mexico City to Alaska. Along their length are the highest mountain in the Western Hemisphere, the world s driest desert, magnificent rainforests and balmy Mediterranean-type countryside, all in magnificent surroundings. The amazing flora shows a little similarity with the flora of western North America, some with New Zealand, and many components that are unique, including rare, redwood-like Alerce (Fitzroya cupressoides) and the bizarre Monkey Puzzle tree (Araucaria araucana).

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