Native species translate climate, culture, and biodiversity - strengthening the identity of Brazilian landscaping
Submitted at Feb 27, 2026, 8:00 AM
Ariel Teixeira Arquitetura - Jardim Elo. Projeto da CASACOR Minas Gerais 2025. (Henrique Queiroga/Divulgação)
Valuing native species in landscaping is recognizing the botanical richness of Brazil and strategically incorporating it into projects. In a country with continental dimensions and diverse biomes, opting for native plants means working with specimens adapted to the climate, soil, and local project dynamics.
Edgard Miguel - Abraço Infinito. Projeto da CASACOR Brasília 2025. (Edgard Cesar/Divulgação)
In addition to natural resistance, native species contribute to the preservation of fauna, attracting pollinators and strengthening urban ecosystems. By integrating Brazilian trees, shrubs, and ground covers into gardens, landscaping gains a distinct identity — less dependent on foreign references and more connected to our landscape! Next, we selected ten species that define this identity. Check it out!
(Freepik/Divulgação)
A symbol of Brazilian cities during winter, the yellow ipe is one of the most emblematic trees in the country. Its intense flowering, which colors streets and parks, creates a striking visual impact even in large-scale projects. In landscaping, it serves as a structuring element, ideal for large areas, squares, and extensive gardens. Besides its beauty, it is resilient and adapts to different regions of Brazil.
Manacá-da-serra. (Nina Edelweiss/flickr/Divulgação)
The manacá-da-serra is known for its flowering that displays different hues on the same tree — from white to lilac and purple. This effect adds dynamism to the garden. It can be used both in tree form and smaller versions, like the dwarf manacá, suitable for compact gardens and even large pots.
[/caption>The jabuticabeira combines ornamental and affective value. Its smooth trunk and the fruiting that sprouts directly from the bark create a unique visual effect. In residential projects, it is a frequent choice for backyards and recreation areas, connecting landscaping with affective memory and food production.
[/caption>With green leaves marked by white spots and a reddish underside, the begônia maculata has gained prominence in interiors. Widely cultivated throughout the country, it originates from the Atlantic Forest. It performs well in indoor projects with good indirect light, composing winter gardens and protected balconies.
[/caption>Icon of the Amazon, the vitória-régia impresses with its circular leaves floating on the water's surface. It is suitable for ornamental lakes and water mirrors. Besides its aesthetic appeal, it reinforces the appreciation of native aquatic species in projects that seek to connect with Brazilian biomes.
[/caption>A historical tree and national symbol, the pau-brasil also has ornamental value, with delicate yellow flowers and elegant foliage. In contemporary projects, it can be incorporated as a highlight tree, contributing to the preservation and diffusion of a native species of historical relevance.
[/caption>The maranta is a shade herbaceous plant with decorative leaves and interesting movement: they slightly close at night, a phenomenon known as nictinasty. Widely used indoors and in shaded areas, it adds texture and contrast to tropical compositions.
[/caption>With large and shiny leaves, the pacová is ideal for creating green masses in semi-shaded areas. Its presence gives an immediate tropical appearance to the space. It is a common choice in projects that seek volumetry and visual impact without the need for exuberant flowering.
[/caption>Compact and decorative, the watermelon peperomia gets its name from the rounded leaves with stripes that resemble the fruit. Suitable for interiors and small gardens, it is one of the native species that adapts well to pots and delicate compositions.
[/caption>The quaresmeira is known for its vibrant purple flowers, usually during Lent, from which its popular name derives. Widely used for urban greening, it can also enhance residential gardens, bringing intense color and reinforcing the identity of Brazilian landscaping.
