The genus Echinopsis comprises a polyphyletic group of columnar cacti with hermaphrodite, actinomorphic flowers, displaying diverse floral phenotypes and attracting a varied flower visitors. In Chile, the genus includes seven taxa, notably the Echinopsis chiloensis complex with three sub-species: E. c. chiloensis, E. c. litoralis, and E.c. skottsbergii. In this work, evaluated different reproductive traits that could be accounting for restrictions in gene flow between the different subspecies of the complex, as reproductive biology, floral visitors, floral morphology, nectar production and pollen limitation, including the specie E. bolligeriana, previously part of the complex. Results indicate all species are self-incompatible with diurnal anthesis, except for southern E.c. chiloensis populations (here E.c. australis). Only, detected small morphological differences distinguish between E. c. litoralis and E. bolligeriana, despite which, the pollinator assemblages presented diferences on the identity of pollinators and visit frequencies , displaying highs modularity between subspecies. Nectar sugar production and concentration remain constant throughout flower opening, except for E. c. litoralis, which produces nectar only in the morning, despite hosting a diverse pollinator assemblage with significant dipteran presence. Distinctions in morphological characters, nectar production, and pollinator assemblages account part for the persistence of subspecies differences, and potentially play a vital role in subspecies genetic isolation

The sclerophyllous forest of Chile has experienced an unprecedented 14-year megadrought (2010-2022), in which, in addition, a period of hyperdrought was recorded in 2019. In this paper, we assess the following questions: 1) How has the megadrought affected the net primary productivity of the Chilean Mediterranean sclerophyll forest in its current distribution; 2) How have temperature and precipitation affected this pattern of primary productivity over time; and 3) How did a hyperdrought event affect the primary productivity of the sclerophyll forest during the megadrought? The Chilean Mediterranean sclerophyll forest was considered throughout its current distribution between 31 and 37°S. Net primary productivity was assessed using the Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI) for the megadrought (2010 and 2022), hyperdrought (2019), and pre-megadrought (2000-2009) reference periods using Landsat satellite imagery. Subsequently, extreme EVI anomalies above or below 90 % of the phenological reference frequency (RFD) were evaluated. To assess the effect of climate on EVI, precipitation and temperature data from the CHIRPS satellite were used. To explain the contribution of precipitation and temperature on EVI, multiple linear regression models were performed. The results indicate the following: i) the northern range populations decreased EVI regardless of the period studied, ii) during the megadrought period, the northern range populations decreased EVI due to decreased precipitation. On the contrary, in the southern range populations, EVI is affected by the increase in temperature, and iii) during the hyperdrought event, a differential response of EVI was observed, in which the northern distribution and the Andean foothills populations were severely affected and maintained low EVI values in the following years. Finally, further ecophysiological studies are needed to understand the responses of these species to water and thermal stress, as future climate models predict an increase in drought in the Chilean Mediterranean, a biodiversity hotspot.