Amazon floral region

views updated May 29 2018

Amazon floral region Part of R. Good's (The Geography of the Flowering Plants, 1974) neotropical kingdom, corresponding to one of the formations of the rain forest. Because of extensive flooding by the Amazon river, the vegetation can be divided into that which is above the flood-level, called ‘igapo’, and that which is below it, called ‘ete’. The flora is one of the richest in the world, and includes about 100 endemic (see ENDEMISM) genera, with 3000 endemic species, e.g. Hevea brasiliensis (Para rubber) and Theobroma cacao (cocoa). See also FLORAL PROVINCE and FLORISTIC REGION.

Amazon floral region

views updated May 14 2018

Amazon floral region Part of R. Good's (1974, Geography of the Flowering Plants) Neotropical floral kingdom, corresponding to one of the blocks of the rain forest. Because of extensive flooding by the Amazon river, the vegetation can be divided into that which is above the flood-level, called ‘terra firme’, and that which is below it, called ‘igapo’ or ‘varzea’. The flora of this vast region is one of the richest in the world. See also floral province and floristic region.