Abstract. Pouteria splendens (A.DC.) Kuntze, the Chilean lucumo, is an endemic tree and the only member of the Sapotaceae family in Chile. It is considered an endangered species as a consequence of its restricted distribution and small population size. Currently, individuals of P. splendens are immersed in a heterogeneous landscape with rocky mounds and plains located in areas densely populated by humans. Natural regeneration in the species seems to be low, despite the fact that plants are able to produce fruits. The species produces brightly colored fleshy drupes. There is no information about the dispersal pattern and the fate of the seeds. In this work we investigate (i) the seed dispersal pattern and (ii) the effect of tree canopy and the presence of leaf litter on seed survival, both in rocky mounds and plains. Results indicated an extremely low distance of seed dispersal, with most of the seeds falling down under the canopy. Seed survival under the canopy without leaf litter was very low and even zero in rocky mounds. Nevertheless, the presence of leaf litter covering the seeds increased survival in both habitats. Outside the canopy, seed survival only increased in plains. We suggest that future conservation programs should focus on protecting both adult plants and leaf litter under trees.

中文翻译：

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落叶对来自智利中部的地方性濒危树<i>Pouteria splendens</i>（Sapotaceae）的种子存活至关重要

摘要。Pouteria splendens (A.DC.) Kuntze，智利 lucumo，是一种地方性树种，是智利 Sapotaceae 科的唯一成员。由于其分布有限且种群规模小，它被视为濒危物种。目前，P. splendens 个体沉浸在异质景观中，岩石丘陵和平原位于人类人口稠密的地区。尽管植物能够产生果实，但该物种的自然再生似乎很低。该物种产生颜色鲜艳的肉质核果。没有关于传播模式和种子命运的信息。在这项工作中，我们调查 (i) 种子传播模式和 (ii) 树冠的影响和落叶对种子存活的影响，无论是在岩石丘陵还是平原。结果表明种子传播距离极短，大部分种子落在树冠下。没有落叶的树冠下的种子存活率非常低，在岩石丘中甚至为零。然而，覆盖种子的落叶的存在增加了这两个栖息地的存活率。在树冠外，种子存活率仅在平原增加。我们建议未来的保护计划应重点保护成年植物和树下落叶。