Elucidating the hydraulic vulnerability of the longest-lived Southern Hemisphere conifer to aridification

•We studied Fitzroya adults and saplings from the Chilean Coastal Range and Central Depression.•Fitzroya seems to be resistant to aridification, but drier soils may be critical for the species.•Large stem safety margins would be the main safety valve for Fitzroya.•Saplings from the Coastal Range are the most vulnerable to water scarcity.•Protection and restoration are needed, especially in the altered Central Depression.