December is a time of intensive field exploration in Patagonia for scientists from the Powsin Botanical Garden. The expedition includes Prof. Arkadiusz Nowak (director of our Garden) and Dr. Marcin Kotowski supported by Hanna Reznarova from the University of Ostrava (a specialist in epiphytic mosses) and Dr. Małgorzata Jaźwa from the University of Opole.

The expedition began in Chile's Punta Arenas. Research was then conducted in Los Glaciares National Park, surrounded by the iconic peaks of Fitz Roy (3405 meters above sea level) and Cerro Torre (3133 meters above sea level), at the Perito Moreno Glacier, as well as in Torres del Paine National Park and Tierra del Fuego.

Research objective: fungi of the genus Cyttaria
The main objective of the expedition is to collect data on the ecology of fungi of the genus Cyttaria, which form characteristic spherical fruiting bodies on trees of the genus Nothofagus. Several species of these fungi are found in Patagonia, including: Cyttaria darwini, collected by Charles Darwin in 1832 during an expedition on the HMS Beagles, Cyttaria hariotii and Cyttaria hookeri.

The research focuses on understanding the ecology of these species and identifying the yeasts that inhabit them. These yeasts, along with fungi Cyttaria, are used by local residents to produce a traditional beer called chicha. In addition, the juice squeezed from the fruiting bodies of these mushrooms is used in local cuisine. In the future, Dr. Marcin Kotowski plans to expand his research into their ethnobotanical applications.

Studies of mosses and glacial microecosystems
Scientists are also looking for mosses of the genus Blindia i Dichelyma, which form distinctive globules in cold lakes, unique to this region of the world. They also maintain a collection of epiphytic mosses of the genus Orthotrichum.

An important part of the research is the microecosystems of so-called cryoconites - clusters of organic matter found on the surface of glaciers. Cryoconites, which are poorly understood but important components of the glacier ecosystem, are particularly vulnerable to climate change. Material collected from the Ojo del Albino glacier will be subjected to detailed molecular analysis to determine its taxonomic composition.

Educational activities and future plans
During the expedition, the researchers also participated in a seminar with partners from Santiago de Chile on the impact of climate warming on grassland communities. In addition, they documented the alpine flora of the Andes.

The results of the expedition will be presented in 2026 in an exhibition at the Powsin Botanical Garden, dedicated to the world's vanishing species of alpine flora, which are receding as a result of global warming. We cordially invite you already!

inf. and photo by Arkadiusz Nowak