Layers of the Brasilian Rainforest:
- Emergent layer - Tree's that are above all the other vegetation, at an average of 135-240ft
- Canopy layer - Under the emergent layer, covers and protects the lower three layers, an intricate maze of branches and leaves
- Understory layer - Plants here grow large leaves in an attempt to receive the little sunlight that shines through. Plants here are typically less than 12ft in height
- Ground or Forest Floor layer - Dark in this layer of the rainforest, so very few plant species can survive. Decomposition takes place here.
Types of plants commonly found in the Brasilian Rainforest:
- Lianas - Climbing vine which winds around the foliage
- Bromeliads - This plant type acts as a mini ecosystem for several species of insects and small creatures. A descendant from the pineapple family
- Saprophytes - Fungi that decompose plant life that lands on the ground layer of the rainforest floor.
- Strangler Fig - This tree begins to grow from a fig tree in the canopy, then shoots roots down to the rainforest floor to take permanent root. It uses a host tree to stabilise itself, and eventually kills the host tree as it competes for soil nutrients and light.
Medicinal plants found in the Brasilian Rainforest:
- Cocoa Tree (headaches, dry lips and skin, coughs, burns, reduce blood pressue, prevent heart disease)
- Kapok Tree (dysentery, fever, kidney disease, asthma)
- Clavillia (medical conditions resulting from bacteria, viruses, parasites, fungi)
- Wild Yam (contains a chemical used as natural birth control, to treat menopausal symptoms)
- Cinchona Tree (muscle cramps, headaches, regulate irregular heart rhythms)
- Trumpet Tree (heal wounds, reduce inflammation, infections of the respiratory system)
- Suma (increase blood circulation, regulate blood sugar, increase a healthy appetite, support memory, boost the immune system, lowers blood cholesterol)
Flowering plants found in the Brasilian Rainforest:
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| Orchids |
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| Heliconia |
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| Candle bush |
Edible plants found in the Brasilian rainforest:
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| Bananas |
- Cinnamon
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| Chocolate cocoa beans |
- Citrus fruit
- Tamarind
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| Brasil nut tree |
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| Mangoes |
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| Coconut tree (my own photo) |
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| Sugar Cane |
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| Lemons |
(info: Celebrate Brazil)
I will take a few of these plants and produce them using mono printing or brusho powders combined with screen printing techniques. One plant will feature on each bank note.
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