Esteves et al. 2014 (Article) Bromelia [German]

New species in the genus Bromelia from the Cerrado biome of Central Brazil (part 5): Bromelia ferox

Author(s):—E. Esteves P. & U. Scharf

Publication:—Die Bromelie 2014(2): 86-92. (2014)

German title:—Neue Arten der Gattung Bromelia aus dem Cerrado in Zentral-Brasilien (Teil 5): Bromelia ferox

Abstract:—In the end of the last century, we travelled, just in search for botanical novelties, through the North of Minas Gerais during the dry period, where the temperature can reach above the 45° C. The original flora of that area, a mixture between Cerrado and Caatinga, was at that time already quite modified and devastated. Our route was through dispersed cattle farms and by extensive eucalyptus plantations, whilst our eyes sought for cacti. Here and there between the farms, mainly those located in dry and stony areas, small samples of native vegetation can still be found, e.g., the robust Cereus jamacaru and some Pilosocereus sp. Inside our car, still in movement, we could see the native fruit trees, for example the„cagaiteiras“ (Eugenia dysenterica) and the „cajueiros“ (cashew trees), covered with delicious yellow and red fruits. I remember that at some point I said to our driver, “Hello friend, stop here! Here!“ And fast, we jumped out of the vehicle and were jumping and running through the Cerrado, like children, taking pictures of the nature and eating those delicious native fruits. Beautiful memories! Running through the dry vegetation, we had our legs and feet hurt by the dense and cutting teeth of a low plant. Certainly, in that trip, what was forever indelible in our memory was our encounter with a small Bromeliaceae that hid along the trail’s margins. Thus, between pain and happiness, that day we discovered Bromelia ferox.

Published names (1):

Bromelia ferox