The Mother Tree of the Amazon
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The Mother Tree of the Amazon

by Simone Silva, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, Brazil

The samaumeira, one of the treasures of the Amazon rainforest, is typical of the várzea environment (periods of flooding of the forest floor, due to the tidal regime). The record was made on Ilha do Combu, located near the city of Belém in the State of Pará. The wooded structure is a habitat for several species of animals and plants. For the indigenous communities of the Amazon, this tree is considered sacred. Their presence indicates the existence of watercourses. The roots serve as communication to guide those who walk through the forest. It can reach about 60 meters in height.

Finalist in the EGU Photo Competition 2023