RESEARCH ARTICLE Morphometric and phytoc a

do Ericaceae family, commonly known as Chaura or Mutilla. G. pumila is a low bush that can reach up to 80 cm in snow for several weeks, and in summer the plants are exposed to high temperatures and high UV radiation. As a Villagra et al. Biological Research 2014, 47:26 http://www.biolres.com/content/47/1/26associated to a reduction of heart and brain diseases asSan Miguel 3605, casilla 617, Talca, Maule Region, Chile Full list of author information is available at the end of the articleheight, depending on the environmental conditions. The species produces fleshy, flavored and aromatic fruits and inhabits the Andes mountains; its distribution ranges from the Region Metropolitana (33°26 ′ 16 ″ S; 70°39 ′ 01 ″ W) in the North to Region de Magallanes (53°9 ′ 45 ″ S; 70°55′ 21 ″ W) in the South [1]. Chaura berries in their natural habitat have been found for the wide variety of shapes and result of its adaptation, this species could be considered as an extremophile plant species because it is highly tolerant of harsh soil and environmental conditions [2]. In addition, Chaura leaves and fruits produce an intense aroma and flavor, which make it appealing for developing new food applications. Fruit consumption is the main source of phenolics in the daily human diet, helping them to improve a large number of biological functions [3,4]. The supply of natural phenolics compounds through the human diet has bee