News Story- By Alex & Emily

The trees of the Amazon are on the breach of extinction. Mata Alântica was a region of tropical moist forest lining the Atlantic coast of Brazil. It’s lush green foliage that once flourished and produced abundant resources for the natives, is currently diminished as a consequence of urbanization. According to veterinarian, Messias Costa, nearly 5 percent of Mata Atlântica still remains.

The Museu Paraense Emílio Goeldi is the first botanical park and aquarium in Brazil, which was founded in 1895. Joice Santos, communications co-coordinator, described the park as a “living classroom”. Here one can observe endangered trees of the rainforest. Some species include the Guajará, Tucum and Bambu-amarelo. “Trees offer many resources for people and animals,” said Costa.

Trees are very important to the Amazon. They provide shade, food, roofing, oxygen and housing for animals. The first tree we encountered was the Samaumeira, which is one of the tallest trees in the Amazon. Reaching up to 50 meters in height, the Samaumeira prevents the sunlight from reaching the floor of the rainforest.

The most important and popular palm tree in the Amazon is the Açai tree. The flavorful berries produced by the tree are enjoyed around the world. Açai also contains antioxidants and is a vital factor in the Amazon because it makes up a significant portion of the Brazilian diet. In Belém, you can find Açai used in juice, ice cream and salads.

Next we came upon the Mogno, one of the most endangered trees in the rainforest. Generally known as mahogany, Mongo is used for flooring and furnishings and is the most expensive wood you can buy. Mahogany is also used for making boats and musical instruments, for example, Ringo Starr from The Beatles played a mahogany guitar.

Our favorite tree is Paxiúba. This tree is called “the tree that walks” because over time it grows sideways across the rainforest floor. This is because it’s roots are very shallow and have difficulty obtaining nutrients from the soil. This palm is one of the most common trees in the rainforest as an outcome of being able to thrive in damp tropical areas. In addition, the palm is valued by birds and is used to make jewelry.

The Tucum palm tree produces fruits that are used for bio-diesel production. It grows to be 60 feet tall and is native to Brazil. The Tucum produces an orange-yellow fruit that contains vitamin A, which helps to prevent eye disease and is three times the amount you would absorb from a carrot. The seeds it produces are very dense and are used to make bio-jewelry and other artwork such as carvings. It is also used for fishing nets, sailing ropes, hammocks and baskets. The wood is resistant to salt water, mold and mildew.

Bambu-amarelo is the most widely known type a tree that grows in the Amazon. It has a growth rate up to 60 centimeters a day, making it the fastest growing wood plant. Bambu-amarelo has multiple uses. It is used for culinary purposes, medicine, construction and art. Not only is it important to Brazilian culture, but it is significant in other cultures as well, for example, the Chinese culture.

Pau-Rosa is another palm tree that grows in the Amazon and is Portuguese for rosewood. This palm is not durable, however, it is used to make Chanel Number 5 perfume and rosewood oil. It is resistant to insect and fungal attacks. Because it is widely used to manufacture various products, it has become an endangered palm of the rainforest.

Finally, we learned about the Jarina, which is a small palm with a thick trunk. It is known as “vegetable ivory” because it is harder than wood and carves just like ivory. Before World War II, Jarina was used to make buttons and handles for walking canes. In addition, it was mistaken for authentic elephant ivory. It also emits a strong-scented perfume. The Jarina has a slow growth rate, taking up to 3-4 years to germinate and survives to be over 100 years old. Because the wood is so durable, it is used for building and construction. It is also used for food, ornaments, manufacturing pieces of knee support, piano keys, small statues, souvenirs and jewelry.

All things considered, we feel it is important to protect the endangered trees of the rainforest. They are utilized in numerous innovative ways and are crucial ingredient in Amazonian culture. Although the palms sow their own seeds, it is important that we preserve the rainforest in order to avoid arboreal extinction.