[…] At the veredas there are often huge, common groves. Yet, at the center, lays the lively and colorful intimacy of the vereda, ever draped with buritis, buritiranas, sassafrás, and pindaíbas by the water. The veredas are always beautiful!’ A major enthusiast of the veredas (nature trails) of the Brazilian Cerrado, Guimarães Rosa could surely … Continued
The most ancient garden of Inhotim received, back in the 1980s, a visit of the landscape designer Roberto Burle Marx. Among the coexistence of art and nature, visitors can find in this garden works by artists Cildo Meireles and Olafur Eliasson amid some 150 species of tropical plants, such as aroids, palm trees, heliconias, orchids, … Continued
The feature perfume of the Cattleya walkeriana, one of the most valued orchid species among collectors, can be felt in this garden during its flowering period, over the months of April and May. There are more than 17 thousand orchids planted in 48 palm trees and occupying the space between the galleries Cildo Meireles and … Continued
Landscapes filled with history, moments of relaxation and fruition, a huge mango tree in the middle of the garden, several other fruit trees, in addition to a strong vocation of environmental education. These are some of the elements of the biggest and newest garden of Inhotim. Built in an old pasturing area and counting on … Continued
Riverbanks, trails, moist and gallery forests are the most common habitat of the buritirana, also known as buriti-mirim or caranã. The stem might reach up to 20 meters high and is covered by stiff, cone-shaped thorns, which only increase the beauty of this palm tree. The fruits are small, covered in reddish nut-brown scales, from … Continued
The jacarandá-preto has one of the most valued woods in Brazil, which, in its turn, is explored since the colonial period. For this reason, it is listed by the IBAMA as an endangered species. The jacarandá-preto is used in the making of luxury carpentry and musical instruments, like pianos. Often adopted in sacred art and … Continued
Originally from Southeast Asia, this plant of great ornamental value is largely cultivated in the tropics, subtropics, and tempered regions. It might reach from 2 to 4 meters high and 15 to 20 centimeters diameter, the reason why it is called a ‘dwarf palm.’ During summer, its fruits are abundant and attract several birds.
Also known as sweet heart of palm, its main product is usually consumed naturally or pickled, in addition to being very important for feeding birds. This palm tree of the Atlantic Forest used to occur expressively throughout the forest, yet its predatory exploration made it nearly extinct in several regions. The stem might reach up … Continued
People who usually pass by the Brazilian Cerrado might have already been surprised by the beauty of this yellow ipê species and its vibrating tones blooming during winter, at the peak of the dry period, announcing the arrival of spring and the first rains. In addition to its landscape design potential, the ipê wood can … Continued
Typically tropical, the imperial bromeliad stands out for its size, sculptural shape, and vibrating colors. It occurs naturally in the steep rocky slopes of the Serra dos Órgãos (Rio de Janeiro). The plant is seriously endangered due to the high incidence of fires in its natural habitat and for its intense exploitation. It can take … Continued