Did you know that there are over 50,000 Amazonian Plants growing in the wild?
The Amazon Rainforest is already well-known for its diversity of fauna and giant trees, however its abundance of flora and plant species are truly breathtaking. Here plants have evolved either to produce unbelievable colours or sweet fruits, others that are either dangerous or actively hunt animals, or even those like Ayahuasca which are known to produce state-altering effects to those who ingest them.
In this comprehensive guide we’ll explore everything you need to know about Amazonian Plants. This includes some of the most rare and peculiar species of the jungle here, as well as those which are possible to see with the right Amazon Jungle guides and tour company. We’ll also answer your most frequently asked questions in our FAQ section.
10 Incredible Amazon Plants To See On A Jungle Tour
Mimosa Pudica
Something that seems straight out of an extraterrestrial film, the Mimosa Pudica has quite a “human-like” nervous system. When touched, its delicate leaves immediately fold inwards, with stems also drooping – a reaction usually to ward off any herbicides that try to eat its leaves.
Victoria Amazónica Giant Water Lily
One of the largest plants in the world measuring several meters wide, the Victoria Amazónica are found floating on the Amazon River and tributaries. Aside from its large size, they are also capable of lifting remarkably heavy objects – some up to 300 pounds, while their beautiful flowers only open at night.
Ayahuasca Vine
Better known as the Ayahuasca vine, Banisteriopsis caapi is one of two plants that are brewed together to make this famous hallucinogenic drink. Indigenous communities have used it for centuries for spiritual and ceremonial purposes, and today many travel to the jungle to drink this special plant under the supervision of a shaman.
Heliconia
Perhaps one of the most stunning plants in the entire Amazon Rainforest, Heliconia are instantly recognisable by their dramatic red, orange and yellow flowers. They are favourites of Hummingbirds given the plants ideal shapes for their long beaks, which allow the Heliconia to easily transfer their pollen as the birds constantly come and go to feed on them.
Curare
One of the most deadly plants found across the planet (let alone just within the entire Amazon), Curare has been used by indigenous tribes and hunters for centuries – given its ability to cause paralysis and even death when entering the body. They would first take the alkaloid resin from the Amazon plant and prepare it into a substance, followed by lacing their arrows and darts with it as they then go out to hunt animals.
Brazil Nut Tree
Famous worldwide for its rich woody nuts, Brazil Nut Trees are usually a fan-favourite for tourists who explore the rainforest on a Multi-Day Peruvian Amazon Tour. However the most unusual thing about them is their extreme dependence on Bees to pollinate them and reproduce – as their flowers are particularly difficult for other insects and pollinators to reach.
Rubber Tree
Before its introduction to the world, Rubber Trees have long been used by natives who would collect the milky liquids for their own usages. After Europeans arrived and began colonising South America, the Rubber Tree exploded in popularity for its ability to create latex – a product that would then go on to change the world as we know it.
Strangler Fig
With an appropriate name given its behaviour, Strangler Figs are anything but a gentle tree species. Starting life high in the canopy as seeds that are deposited by animals, they begin growing at the top of their host tree – with roots that gradually descend to the forest floor. They then completely surround their host tree, usually taking it over for resources, leaving behind a huge network of intertwined roots.
Cecropia
Like many of the other incredible Amazon trees in the jungle, Cecopia have evolved quite the mutualistic benefit with a certain species. Thousands of Ants can usually be seen patrolling up and down the tree, and completely swarm the entire structure when herbivores try to attack. In return, the Cecopia provides shelter and specialised food for the colonies of Ants that help to protect this unique Amazonian plant.
Cat’s Claw
Another strange plant that depends on others for its growth, Cat’s Claw begins from the jungle floor – and uses its curved-hook stems to grip other plants as it grows. This helps it to grow vertically straight as quickly as possible, in order to best compete for precious sunlight. Indigenous communities also traditionally use this Amazon plant for medicinal purposes, such as for treating infections, fever and inflammation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Amazonian Plants
In this section we’ll now explore the most frequent questions we get about Amazonian Plants, as well as anything else you need to know.
What Is The Rarest Plant In The Amazon?
There are many rare plants in the Amazon either due to small natural numbers or deforestation risks – but Drypetes oliveri is often considered the rarest in the Amazon. First found in 1985, only four of these unique yellow-green trees have been found in the wild – all in a small plot area near Puerto Maldonado in Peru. Reaching up to 35 metres in height, they are known to produce spicy fruits.
What Are The Hallucinogenic Plants Found In The Amazon?
Ayahuasca is perhaps the most famous hallucinogenic medicine found in the Amazon, although it’s commonly misunderstood as a single naturally-occurring plant. It’s actually composed of two different plants – the Ayahuasca Vine (Banisteriopsis caapi) and Chacruna (Psychotria viridis) – which when boiled together creates the hallucinogenic effect when consumed.
What Is The Deadliest Plant In The Amazon Rainforest?
While there are many lethal plants in the Amazon Jungle, Curare is perhaps one of the most deadly of all. With woody vines that climb high up into the canopy, its alkaloid solution is often extracted by indigenous hunters who coat their arrows and darts with it. Upon entering the nervous system of prey, it quickly paralyses skeletal muscles – and often the diaphragm which causes asphyxiation and death without immediate treatment.
Overview Of Amazon Plants
And that’s all for this guide on the various unique and exotic Amazonian Plants that can be found in the massive Amazon Rainforest.
Home to an extraordinary estimated 40,000-50,000 plant species, the Amazon is often considered to be the most biodiverse region on the planet for native flora species. Here we can find all kinds of medicinal herbs used both by indigenous groups in the rainforest – as well as their chemicals by western medicine – as well as others that are either extremely colourful, sweet, state-altering or even dangerous.
Here at TroncoTambopata, we provide some of the most thrilling explorations and tours of the Peruvian Amazon. Join Our Three Day Jungle Tour Now, where expert guides will help you to locate various endemic plants of the Tambopata region, while also looking out for exotic animals such as Monkeys, Sloths, Capybara, and even Jaguars with some luck.
