Dictionary of Useful Plants of Brazil 6 Vols - M Pio Correa

Dictionary of Useful Plants of Brazil 6 Vols - M Pio Correa

Dictionary of Useful Plants of Brazil 6 Vols - M Pio Correa

A Comprehensive Guide to Brazil's Botanical Treasures

Brazil is a country of unparalleled natural beauty and biodiversity, and its flora is no exception. With over 55,000 species of plants, Brazil is home to a vast array of useful plants that have been used for centuries by indigenous peoples and modern society alike.

The Dictionary of Useful Plants of Brazil is a monumental six-volume work that provides a comprehensive overview of Brazil's plant kingdom. Written by renowned botanist M. Pio Correa, this dictionary is an essential resource for botanists, ethnobotanists, and anyone interested in the natural history of Brazil.

Volume 1: A-C

The first volume of the dictionary covers plants whose scientific names begin with the letters A-C. This volume includes detailed descriptions of over 2,000 species, including:

  • Acai palm (Euterpe oleracea): Açaí is a small palm tree native to the Amazon rainforest. Its fruits are a popular food source and are used to make a variety of products, including juice, ice cream, and candy.
  • Brazil nut (Bertholletia excelsa): Brazil nuts are the seeds of a large tree found in the Amazon rainforest. They are a rich source of protein, fiber, and minerals, and are a popular snack food.
  • Copaiba (Copaifera spp.): Copaiba is a genus of trees native to tropical South America. Its resin is used to make a variety of products, including perfumes, soaps, and medicines.

Volume 2: D-G

The second volume of the dictionary covers plants whose scientific names begin with the letters D-G. This volume includes detailed descriptions of over 2,500 species, including:

  • Flamboyant (Delonix regia): Flamboyant is a large, showy tree native to Madagascar. It is widely cultivated as an ornamental tree in tropical regions around the world.
  • Guava (Psidium guajava): Guava is a small tree native to tropical America. Its fruits are a popular food source and are used to make a variety of products, including juice, jelly, and candy.
  • Ipe (Tabebuia spp.): Ipe is a genus of trees native to tropical America. Its wood is highly prized for its durability and beauty, and is used to make furniture, flooring, and other products.

Volume 3: H-M

The third volume of the dictionary covers plants whose scientific names begin with the letters H-M. This volume includes detailed descriptions of over 3,000 species, including:

  • Jacaranda (Jacaranda mimosifolia): Jacaranda is a large, showy tree native to South America. It is widely cultivated as an ornamental tree in tropical regions around the world.
  • Mango (Mangifera indica): Mango is a large tree native to South Asia. Its fruits are a popular food source and are used to make a variety of products, including juice, jelly, and candy.
  • Passion fruit (Passiflora edulis): Passion fruit is a climbing vine native to South America. Its fruits are a popular food source and are used to make a variety of products, including juice, jelly, and candy.

Volume 4: N-R

The fourth volume of the dictionary covers plants whose scientific names begin with the letters N-R. This volume includes detailed descriptions of over 3,500 species, including:

  • Orchid (Orchidaceae): Orchids are a large family of plants that are found in all parts of the world. They are known for their beautiful flowers, and many species are cultivated as ornamental plants.
  • Pineapple (Ananas comosus): Pineapple is a tropical plant native to South America. Its fruits are a popular food source and are used to make a variety of products, including juice, jelly, and candy.
  • Rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis): The rubber tree is a large tree native to the Amazon rainforest. Its sap is used to make rubber, which is used in a wide variety of products, including tires, hoses, and balloons.

Volume 5: S-Z

The fifth volume of the dictionary covers plants whose scientific names begin with the letters S-Z. This volume includes detailed descriptions of over 4,000 species, including:

  • Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum): Sugarcane is a tall grass that is native to Southeast Asia. Its stems are used to produce sugar, which is a common sweetener used in food and beverages.
  • Tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum): Tobacco is a plant that is native to the Americas. Its leaves are used to make cigarettes, cigars, and other tobacco products.
  • Vanilla (Vanilla planifolia): Vanilla is a climbing vine that is native to Mexico. Its fruits are used to produce vanilla extract, which is a popular flavoring agent used in food and beverages.

Volume 6: Index

The sixth volume of the dictionary is an index that lists all of the plants included in the dictionary by their scientific names, common names, and families. This index makes it easy to find information about a particular plant.

Conclusion

The Dictionary of Useful Plants of Brazil is a monumental work that is an essential resource for anyone interested in the natural history of Brazil. This six-volume dictionary provides detailed descriptions of over 19,000 species of plants, making it the most comprehensive reference work on Brazil's flora. Whether you are a botanist, ethnobotanist, or simply someone who is interested in learning more about the plants of Brazil, the Dictionary of Useful Plants of Brazil is a must-have resource.