Curiosities of the Brazilian Cerrado
The biome has abundant vegetation and is home to more than 500 tree species and several animals. Furthermore, it is a splendid scenario that is incredibly important for our country. Below are some of the species of plants in the Cerrado and their properties.
Plants, Vegetation and flora of the Brazilian Cerrado
The Cerrado is considered a savannah region, and covers 22% of the national territory, extending over approximately 200 million square kilometers. It is no wonder that it is the second largest biome in Brazil. In addition, along its extension, it has an immense variety of plants. It can vary according to its type of soil, climate and relief.
10 Typical Plants of the Brazilian Cerrado
Ipês do Cerrado
The ipês are a symbol of the Brazilian Cerrado, found in the Midwest of Brazil. A beautiful and majestic species that enjoy heat and intense sun. The ipês blooms occur exclusively during the dry season, in addition these trees have some variations. Therefore, we can find ipês of different colors. As white, yellow, pink and purple.
Buriti
The Buriti is a palm typical of the Cerrado that can reach 20 to 35 meters in height, so it becomes an immense palm tree. The Buritis flowering occurs mainly between April and August. However, they can flourish all year round.
We can find variations of the species as male and female. The female Buriti, for example, blooms and bears fruit. Its fruits are generally robust on the outside and have a concentrated interior. These characteristics allow natural protection against predators. In addition, the fruit has an exotic beauty and is very popular in the Cerrado, often its pulp is used in the preparation of sweets, juices, ice creams, among others. The male Buriti only blossoms thus contributing to the composition of the region’s landscaping.
Jacaranda
The Jacaranda is an amazing and unique species. As a young man, he began to show all his elegance with his round-top flowers in shades of lilac. Similar to Ipê from the Cerrado, its flowers announce the arrival of spring. In addition, it has peculiar characteristics, such as irregular logs of high quality and resistance. Therefore, it is used in the production of acoustic guitars, matchsticks, boxes and others. Its trunks can reach up to 25 meters in height and generally have between 40 to 80 cm in diameter.
Pau-earth
The stick-land is a woody plant with a lot of importance in the region. Mainly used for making furniture, toys and much more, pau-terra is also used in uneven reforestation. In December and January, the plant blooms. However, its seeds can be easily dispersed by the wind, which can harm planting. The flowers pau-terra have a unique and admirable grandeur that surprises and embellishes the cerrado.
Baruzeiro
The Baruzeiro is a majestic tree that can reach up to 25 meters high and 70 cm in diameter. Its fruits yield good almonds or the famous baru nuts, and its taste is very similar to peanuts. In addition, it has medicinal and nutritional properties indispensable to the human body. As anti-fungal properties, fatty acids, as well as fibers, proteins and minerals. Therefore, a medicinal finding of nature.
Aroeira do Cerrado
It is estimated that Aroeira do Cerrado produces the most resistant wood in Brazil, due to its long life, which can reach over 100 years ago. In addition, it has high density and properties with fungicidal and insecticidal action, which makes it more resistant and less prone to deterioration. Aroeira’s wood is beige-pink or reddish-brown in color as soon as it is cut. In addition to being very hard, it is difficult to cut.
Ceratic Araticum
The Araticum is a typical Cerrado plant that lives in dry areas and grows slowly, its seeds can take about 300 days to germinate. Generally, it can reach 8 meters in height and its fruits appear around two meters in height. This plant has powerful properties that contribute to the prevention of degenerative diseases, such as antioxidants and vitamins C and A, B1 and B2, as well as potassium and iron. In addition, it has a tasty fruit and is certainly extremely important for the planet. However, the cultivation of the Araticum is threatened with extinction due to irregular deforestation.
Vanilla from the Cerrado
Scientific name Vanilla edwalii, a Vanilla from the Cerrado, comes from beautiful yellow orchids, their beans are gigantic when compared to African ones. Also known as the Banana Vanilla, due to its size, as well as size and colors resembling a banana, the Brazilian vanilla, has a striking, floral and sweet aroma.
The Cerrado Vanilla grows naturally in the Cerrado biome, popularly known as “the savannas of Brazil” but its cultivation requires great care. The vanilla orchid is a climbing plant, and should be tied in shady places, close to streams.
Arnica
Arnica is a medicinal plant of the Brazilian Cerrado, very popularly used immersed in alcohol for cutaneous use. Since the plant has an anti-inflammatory effect and repellent action. It has foliage with concentrated textures from start to finish, in addition to purple flowers and seeds with seeds and can reach up to 3 meters in height.
Copaiba
The Copaiba produces an excellent extract very commercialized by industry. Copaiba oil, is extracted from the tree trunk, and has medicinal properties, and thus is widely used in ointments, syrups, anti-inflammatories, antibiotics and healing. Another important health plant in our list of Cerrado plants.
