Flora Diversity, Amazon

An astonishing 40,000 plant species and 16,000 tree species are within the rainforest's layers. This is a sampling only because the true number of species is unknown. Many locations are too remote or too high up in the trees, making it difficult to access and study. Regardless, the number is extraordinary. I want to share a small selection of beautiful and unique species beginning with the versatile Lipstick Tree.

Scientifically known as Bixa Orellana, the Lipstick Tree is recognised for its scarlet fruit and small red seeds. It also has a beautiful rose-like, pale pink, five-petalled flower with a burst of violet-coloured stamens. The red seeds have been used as a food colourant, giving items like cheese (i.e., Colby cheese), butter and baked goods a yellow or orange colour. A cooking spice is also derived from the seed, described as having a peppery and earthy flavour with a hint of nutmeg. It's often added to soups, stews, sauces and rice dishes. The cosmetic industry makes lipstick, blush and eyeshadow products from the seed. At the same time, indigenous people use it to treat ailments such as fever, wounds and respiratory issues. In ancient times the Aztecs used it to deepen the colour of chocolate drinks, while the Maya used it as an insect repellent and natural sunscreen.

Now let me regale you with the oddity of the carnivorous plant. Yes, you heard it right. It eats meat. These strange-looking plants have many species, the largest group being the sundew, which traps its prey with sticky tentacles on its leaves. Once the insect is caught, the plant wraps its tentacles around it and digests it. Another interesting one is the pitcher plant. As the name suggests, it's shaped like a pitcher, with nectar spread around the cup's rim, attracting insects. Because the edge is fringed with downward-pointing hairs and slippery from the nectar, the insect cannot escape once it has fallen in. The acidic enzymes inside then break down the insect for its nutrients.

This ability to attract insects and obtain nutrients by digesting them has enabled carnivorous plants to thrive in the Amazon's nutrient-poor soil.

Let me tell you more in the next postcard, where I will share about epiphytes.