The Amazon rainforest is home to an estimated 16,000 tree species, many of which are found nowhere else in the world. This represents approximately one-third of all tree species on earth, making the Amazon rainforest one of the most biodiverse ecosystems on the planet. The Amazon rainforest is home to a staggering variety of plant and animal life, including more than 2.5 million insect species, more than 2,000 species of fish, and more than 1,300 species of birds, as well as a wide variety of mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. The rainforest also plays a critical role in regulating the global climate and is an important source of natural resources for local communities.
A list of common trees of the Amazon rainforest
Here is a list of some of the most common tree species found in the Amazon rainforest:
- Brazil nut tree (Bertholletia excelsa): This tree is known for its large, hard-shelled nuts, which are an important food source for local communities and are also harvested for export.
- Rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis): This tree is the primary source of natural rubber and is an important economic resource for the region.
- Mahogany tree (Swietenia macrophylla): This tree is valued for its hard, durable wood, which is used in a variety of applications, including furniture and construction.
- Capirona tree (Calycophyllum spruceanum): This tree is known for its strong, durable wood, which is used in a variety of applications, including construction and boat building.
- Cacao tree (Theobroma cacao): This tree is the primary source of cocoa beans, which are used to make chocolate and other cocoa-based products.
Other common tree species found in the Amazon rainforest include the moriche palm, the acai palm, and the apamate, among many others.