Abstract
Despite the large diversity, logging on Brazilian Amazon is restricted to a small number of species. On relating the local biodiversity to the density, region of occurrence and logging of traditional species, we verified the increment of their shortage. One way to minimize this problem is by introducing new species in the market. Based on these considerations, we sought to identify in the field, woods known as mata-mata (Eschweilera Mart. Ex DC. – Lecythidaceae) of high frequency in the Brazilian Amazon. For this, eleven trees were collected for scientific identification, and for anatomical, physical and chemical analyses. During the identification, we verified the presence of six species (Eschweilera amazonica, Eschweilera coriacea, Eschweilera grandiflora, Eschweilera idatimon, Eschweilera ovata and Eschweilera sp.) which may be identified in the forest by their rytidomes and live bark characteristics. By organoleptic properties, we grouped the woods into three groups with distinct colours, which permitted the identification of two species by their characteristics of taste and smell. Macroscopically, all woods seemed similar, while microscopically, the species presented few differences which made their partial separation possible.
Highlights
IntroductionMinimizing the exploitation intensity of traditional species by insertion of new species in the market grows in importance both in trade and in biodiversity conservation
The unplanned, intense and selective forest extraction performed in the Brazilian Rainforest has transformed forests of high timber stocks and commercial value in degraded forests of low economic potential and difficult recovery, contributing to the significant reduction of native species traditionally traded, resulting in losses for both biological and genetic diversity (PINTO et al, 2002). Angelo, Brasil and Santos (2001) mention that, of the 700 known timber tree species, only a few are exploited and exported.minimizing the exploitation intensity of traditional species by insertion of new species in the market grows in importance both in trade and in biodiversity conservation
As for the botanical identification, a study was conducted with experts from EMBRAPA and MPEG, aiming the correct identification of herbarium specimens collected, which indicated the presence of six distinct species
Summary
Minimizing the exploitation intensity of traditional species by insertion of new species in the market grows in importance both in trade and in biodiversity conservation In this context, it is suggested Eschweilera Mart. Ex DC, commonly known as matá-matá, which, according to Mori and Prance (1990), is considered the largest genus in the family Lecythidaceae. Even though it is the genus most frequently found throughout the rainforest, about 5,6% of representativeness (STEEGE et al, 2006), their species are not available in the market due to, among others, the lack of knowledge on its properties and low information relative to their identification. It is not used due to lack of information
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