A 'Flora' is a type of publication that catalogs all plants occurring in a specific region. FLORA BRASILIENSIS (meaning the Flora of Brazil) was the first comprehensive publication for that country. It was the result of Spix and Martius' travels to Brazil in the 19th century.

It was sponsored by the Emperors of Austria and Brazil and the King of Bavaria. Edited in Germany between 1840 and 1906 by Carl Friedrich Philipp von Martius, August Wilhelm Eichler and Ignatz Urban, it featured contributions of 65 specialists from various countries.

Of the 135 contributors listed in the Flora, only two are women: Maria Graham and Princess Therese of Bavaria, whose collected specimens were included in the entries.

Similar to many earlier botanical books, the 'Flora brasiliensis' was written entirely in Latin.

The 'Flora brasiliensis' comprises 15 volumes that were originally published as 140 individual fascicles. It catalogues 22,767 species, of which 19,629 were reported to occur in Brazil, and 5,689 were newly described to science.

Get ready to step back in time as we delve into the rich botanical heritage of Brazil. Explore breathtaking landscapes from the 19th century, and see how they have transformed over time. Prepare to be amazed by the enduring beauty of this natural paradise.

Our journey begins in Rio de Janeiro, a city known for its stunning beaches and vibrant culture. 

Rio's landscape is a fascinating blend of contrasting features. Explore the dramatic peaks that rise from the city, the pristine beaches that border the coast, and the lush forests that cloak the hills.

Our next stop takes us to Ouro Preto, a historic city in Minas Gerais. Known for its colonial architecture and rich mining past, Ouro Preto offers a glimpse into Brazil's early history.

Ouro Preto, meaning "Black Gold," embodies Brazil's gold rush era. Its colonial architecture, built by the wealth of gold mining, tells a story of early settlements and the lasting impact of this valuable resource.

This image captures the raw beauty of Goiás, showcasing the region's diverse landscape. From the vast savannas to the towering trees, this drawing gives a glimpse into Brazil's heartland.

Discover the rugged beauty of Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park, where towering rock formations meet cascading waterfalls, creating a stunning natural spectacle.

Our journey takes us to the coast of Ilhéus in Bahia, where lush vegetation meets the Atlantic Ocean. Explore this dynamic region known for its diverse flora and fascinating history.

More than just a beautiful landscape, this region is a treasure trove of plant diversity and historical memories passed down through generations.

Discover the wonders of Pará, a region known for its breathtaking Amazonian landscapes and rich culinary treasures. From the unique flavors of tucupi and jambu to the delectable açaí with fresh fish, Pará offers a gastronomic journey that reflects Amazon's lush biodiversity.

Explore the dense forests, winding rivers, and diverse wildlife that make this region a true paradise for nature lovers and food enthusiasts alike.

The Rio Japurá is a vital waterway for the Amazon, connecting communities and supporting rich biodiversity.

Known and appreciated worldwide as a superfood, the dark purple pulp of açaí comes from the berries of a palm tree native of the Amazonian forests. Very long and tall, the palm tree can reach up to 20 metres, and the fruit hangs from multiple branches at the top.

Açaí has been consumed for centuries and is a staple of the Northern Brazilian cuisine. But the processing of the berries into a puree or powder means people all over the world can enjoy a healthy açaí bowl. Click here to see it documented on the Flora.

Another plant documented by the traveling naturalists was the cocoa, another native of the Amazonian region. The beans, which Martius detailed in this plate of the Flora, once dried are used as the basis to make chocolate.

Other cocoa by-products include its pulp, juice, jam, fine distillates and ice cream. Cocoa butter is commonly used in cosmetics.

Not only is it enjoyed as a fruit, it is also known for containing the enzyme papain, which is used in medicines, or as a softener for meat, fabrics, silk and leather, as well as in beer production. By the time of the Flora, it was already being cultivated in Brazil.

The papaya family in the Flora Brasiliensis, the Caricaceae, besides the papaya fruit, has other native species with tasty fruits. You can find out more here.

Very popular in the Center West region of Brazil, pequi is a small fruit with many uses. It is a controversial fruit, while some love its flavor, others hate it. The bright yellow colour of pequi is very recognizable and used in various traditional recipes of the Cerrado biome.

The centre of the pequi is very prickly, full of sharp thorns. When eating a pequi, the fruit should be carefully gnawed between the teeth rather than bitten, or a tool should be used to scrape out the flesh.

Mangaba is a small, round fruit that can be found in Brazil, Bolivia and Paraguay. It has a yellow-green rind and a white, fleshy pulp that is sweet and sour. The fruit is often eaten fresh, but it can also be used to make juice, jam, and jelly.