The famous plant species in the Amazon are a subject of great interest for many researchers who aim to study and identify rare and valuable plant species that require conservation.
The renowned tree species in the Amazon are always a matter of concern for many individuals, especially researchers who have a desire to study rare and precious vegetation. Are you curious about the famous tree species in the Amazon rainforest? Let’s explore the following article.
Top 10 Famous Tree Species in the Amazon You Might Already Know.
The Amazon rainforest is a vast ecosystem with millions of different plant species. Each region within the Amazon has its own characteristics and features, depending on factors such as altitude, soil type, and climate, which contribute to the diversity of plant life.
To begin with, in order to discover the famous tree species in the Amazon, it’s important to understand how the Amazon rainforest is divided into different regions:
- Mainland forest: These expansive forests are predominantly composed of large, woody plants such as mahogany and nut trees…
- Flooded Forests: Found near major rivers, these forests experience seasonal flooding, with water reaching the tree trunks. Despite the inundation, the plant species in these areas adapt and thrive, showcasing resilience.
- Vegetation Mats: Situated between the mainland forests and flooded forests, these areas are characterized by a carpet-like vegetation cover. They not only harbor diverse plant species but also serve as habitats for rare and endangered animals.
Now, let’s embark on a journey to explore some of the famous tree species in the Amazon:
1. Chilocarpus Ulei Palm
This is a flowering palm tree discovered in 1920 and belongs to the Arecaceae family. The Chilocarpus Ulei Palm has a slender trunk, ranging from 4 to 7 cm in diameter, and typically grows in the shade of large canopy trees.
This palm tree species is predominantly found in the western region of the Amazon rainforest. Unlike other palm tree species, the Chilocarpus Ulei Palm exhibits a remarkable variation in height. It can be as short as 1 meter or as tall as 8 meters.
2. Garcinia Macrophylla
Garcinia Macrophylla là một loại thực vật có hoa màu trắng sứ hình elip được phát hiện vào năm 1841 thuộc họ nhà Bứa. Ngoài cái tên gọi Garcinia Macrophylla thì loại hoa này còn có các tên gọi khác như: Cozoiba, Ronquillo, Jorco.
Garcinia Macrophylla is a flowering plant with white porcelain-like elliptical flowers discovered in 1841, belonging to the Clusiaceae family. Besides the name Garcinia Macrophylla, this flower is also known by other names such as Cozoiba, Ronquillo, and Jorco.
Similar to some other tree species in the Amazon rainforest, this flower also grows to a significant height, reaching up to 18 meters. The small branches of the tree can extend up to 22 centimeters.
Apart from adding beauty to the forest, the flowers of the Garcinia Macrophylla tree can also be consumed as food if carefully processed and prepared into delightful dishes.
3. Heliconia
Heliconia is a famous plant in the Amazon known for its abundant flowers. It is commonly found in tropical regions of the Americas, Pacific islands, and the western part of Indonesia.
Heliconia primarily grows and thrives in wet environments and swampy areas. Compared to other plant species in the Amazon, this plant only reaches a height of up to 2 meters. Its vibrant red flowers emerge from the top of the plant, while beneath the stem are large green leaves with white veins, providing a shield-like appearance for the beautiful flowers above.
4. Hevea Benthamiana
Hevea Benthamiana is a tree discovered in 1865 and belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family. It is found in the Amazon river basin. This plant produces a white latex sap similar to rubber, which is extensively harvested by the local communities.
The Hevea Benthamiana is relatively large, reaching a length of up to 20 meters, with leaves measuring 9 to 12 cm. Apart from its large, leafy canopy, this tree also produces both male and female flowers that cross-pollinate, attracting various insects within the Amazon rainforest.
5. Terminalia Amazon
Terminalia Amazon was discovered in 1935 and belongs to the Combretaceae family. This flower primarily thrives in the countries of Latin America within the Amazon rainforest region.
Terminalia Amazon is a large tree, growing up to 70 meters in height. It has a straight woody trunk with a girth of up to 3 meters. Due to its large size, the tree’s foliage consists of tall and wide leaves, measuring up to 10 cm in size.
6. Rafflesia
Rafflesia is a type of plant discovered in the western region of Indonesia. These large flowers primarily grow in high-altitude mountainous areas. They have an enormous size, reaching up to 1.2 meters, and are considered one of the most terrifying-looking flowers.
Rafflesia flowers are solitary, with no stem, roots, or leaves. Due to their short lifespan and rarity, they are considered endangered and are seldom found in the Amazon rainforest. In addition to their appearance, Rafflesia flowers also emit a strong and unpleasant odor. Scientists speculate that the scent resembles that of decaying meat.
7. Jabuticaba
Jabuticaba is a grape-like fruit that grows within the Amazon rainforest, originating from the states of Minas Gerais, Goias, and Sao Paulo in Brazil. This grape variety grows directly on the tree trunk, creating a unique characteristic compared to other types of grapes.
After being researched and verified by scientists, this grape variety can be consumed fresh or processed into delicious dishes due to its sweet and refreshing taste, similar to other grapes.
8. Victoria Amazonica
Victoria Amazonica is a flower belonging to the Nymphaeaceae family. It is the largest water lily in the Nymphaeaceae family, with a diameter of up to 3 meters on the water surface and 8 meters beneath the water.
Victoria Amazonica was discovered in 1837 and continues to exist and thrive in the present day. These flowers typically grow in the swampy areas of the Amazon rainforest, particularly in regions with deep water basins.
9. Pestalotiopsis microspora
Pestalotiopsis microspora is a type of fungus found only in the Amazon rainforest, particularly in moist soil under large tree canopies. This fungus has a light brown color and feeds on resin. One distinctive feature of this fungus compared to other types is that it can survive without oxygen.
In 2014, some research projects successfully demonstrated that this fungus can consume plastic waste in the Amazon rainforest. Therefore, it has the potential to help humans address plastic pollution. Although the research is still ongoing, it represents a promising development in utilizing this plant to tackle plastic waste.
10. Schizophrenia Flower
Actually, the exact name of this species has not been accurately identified. It originates from Mexico and is one of the famous flowers in the Amazon rainforest, although it is relatively rare.
These flowers typically grow in small clusters, with a height of about 1.5 to 2 meters. Despite their small size, the leaves of this flower are quite large, reaching a length of about 24 meters and spreading widely. Tâm thần phân liệt flowers are red in color, and after pollination, they produce blue or purple fruits.
These are the pieces of information we can provide about the 10 famous plants in the Amazon. Hope that with the information provided, you have gained more knowledge about these renowned plant species. If you know of any other plants in the vast Amazon rainforest, let’s share more insightful information together!