From traditional practice to unsustainable exploitation: Fruit overharvesting on the endangered relict palm Jubaea chilensis

Societal Impact Statement Overharvesting of wild edible plants poses a growing threat to plant populations worldwide, particularly for slow‐growing species with limited regeneration. We quantified fruit extraction from the third‐largest known population of Jubaea chilensis —an endangered palm endemic to Chile—modeled the critical harvest threshold, and assessed consumer perceptions. We found that 13.46 tons are illegally harvested per season, representing 94% of total production and exceeding the critical sustainability threshold. Age strongly influences consumption, with younger, more aware people buying less frequently. Consumer education and enforcement are urgently needed to reduce market demand and prevent the extinction of this relict species.