Manacás-da-Serra, Quaresmeiras and Pixiricas

Manacás-da-Serra are among the most eye-catching plants of the Brazilian flora. In the Atlantic Forest regions of the Southeast and South of the country, these trees form masses of white and purple flowers that mark the landscape, especially at the end of the year, between October and December.

There are three species commonly known as Manacá-da-Serra. All belong to the genus Pleroma and are widely cultivated and sold for landscaping purposes.

The most striking feature of these plants is their flowers, which open white and remain that way for a day. The next day, the petals change color, turning lilac or purple, and stay on the flower for another two or three days.

Other plants of this family that are quite common are quaresmeiras (Lenten trees). They are also native to the Atlantic Forest, and got their name because they usually bloom during Lent, between Carnival and Easter. Today they are cultivated throughout the country.

Outside the domain of the Atlantic Forest, they bloom almost all year round, not just during Lent. The intensely purple flowers are also typical, but there are cultivars with lighter flowers, lilac and even pink.

There are many Melastomataceae species with enormous ornamental potential that are still unknown to the public. They occur in the Cerrado, Campos Rupestres, Amazon, and inselbergs of eastern Brazil, showcasing a rich diversity both within and beyond the Atlantic Forest. Here are some examples:

Microlicia armata. Brazil: Paraná, Guartelá State Park.

Microlicia raymondii. Brazil: Bahia, Pico das Almas.

Rhynchanthera sp. Brazil: Roraima, Viruá National Park.

Huberia kollmannii. Brazil: Espírito Santo, Santa Leopoldina.

But most Melastomataceae do not have large, showy flowers. There are many species, known as Pixiricas, Buxixus, Jacatirões, Cabuçus, Lacres, Tinteiros, and Canelas-de-Velho.

The majority have flowers that are small and unshowy, but still very beautiful when looked at closely.

The basis of knowledge about this family in Brazil is the monograph prepared by the Belgian botanist Célestin Cogniaux for Flora Brasiliensis (1883-1888), which recorded 978 species. Today, in Brazil, approximately 1,430 species are recognized. It's the fifth largest plant family in the country.

Melastomataceae are plants that are little known to most Brazilians. Although few species have economic importance, many are native and play a key ecological role. Bees, for example, use their pollen as a food source.