In size, the Falkland Islands are the largest British Overseas Territory. Fuegians may have visited and attempted to settle the area in prehistoric times, but the islands were uninhabited when Europeans explorers arrived. The Falklands had been sighted on numerous occasions, but the date of the first landing is in doubt.
- - - -
Gunnera magellanica - The Magellanic forest region covers the southern sections of Argentina and Chile; it is the southern most area of the world to feature forests. These broadleaf and mixed forests are subjected to cool summers and subpolar winds known for being harsh. The flora of the Magellanic region has adapted to this environment. The pig vine is a ground level perennial with small leaves, about 6 centimeters across, and tiny hairy fibers coating the edge of the leaves. These fibers serve as an insulator against the cold weather.