Discover little-explored Brazilian species that enhance gardens, support biodiversity, and reveal the richness of the national flora
Submitted at Oct 6, 2026, 2:00 PM
(mauro halpern/Wikimedia Commons/Divulgação)
When we think of Brazilian plants in landscaping, some species come to mind almost immediately: ipês, jabuticaba trees, bromeliads, and palm trees are frequent presences in gardens. However, in a country that is home to one of the most diverse floras on the planet, the possibilities go far beyond the already established choices.
Exploring lesser-known native species is a way to create gardens with identity, discover new shapes, colors, and textures, and, at the same time, value local biodiversity. From trees with exuberant flowering to shrubs that attract wildlife, we have selected five Brazilian plants that deserve more space in landscaping projects.
Native to different Brazilian regions, the cambará-de-cheiro, also known as lantana, is a shrub or small tree that mainly draws attention during flowering. Its small colorful flowers appear gathered in delicate and fragrant inflorescences, capable of bringing movement and lightness to the garden.
Lantana. (Pok Rie/ Pexels/Divulgação)
Beyond its ornamental effect, its flowers are very attractive to bees and other pollinators. The species prefers full sun and can be used in more naturalistic gardens, composing clusters or working as a focal point.
A less famous cousin of the jabuticaba, the grumixama brings together interesting characteristics for those who want to combine landscaping and fruit species. Native to the Atlantic Forest, it features a dense canopy, shiny leaves, and small fruits that ripen into shades that can reach dark purple.
(Divulgação/Divulgação)
Its size allows it to be used in residential gardens and projects that seek to bring nature closer to daily life. The fruits also attract birds, making the grumixama an interesting choice for gardens focused on biodiversity.
When it blooms, the canafístula transforms the landscape with intensely yellow clusters. Native to different forest formations in South America and present in Brazil, it is a large tree especially recommended for spacious areas.
(Divulgação/Divulgação)
Its generous canopy provides shade and strong visual presence, while the flowering creates a striking effect in the landscape. Due to its dimensions, it is a species that requires planning and adequate distance from buildings, being especially interesting in large gardens, parks, and open areas.
The uvaia is another Brazilian representative of the Myrtaceae family that could appear much more frequently in gardens. The tree produces aromatic yellow fruits and has a relatively contained size, depending on growing conditions.
(Divulgação/Divulgação)
In addition to providing an experience that involves aroma, flavor, and biodiversity, the uvaia can attract birds and other animals. It is an especially interesting alternative for backyards and gardens that seek to incorporate edible species without abandoning the ornamental function.
Quaresmeiras are known for their purple flowers, but there are Brazilian species and varieties capable of surprising with other tones. The white quaresmeira offers a more delicate reading of this flowering, with light-colored flowers that brighten the garden composition.
(Divulgação/Divulgação)
Its appearance allows for creating interesting contrasts with dark green foliage and species with intense flowering. Like other quaresmeiras, it can take center stage in landscaping when used alone or as part of tree groupings.
This text was developed with the assistance of CASACOR Publisher, an exclusive content agent developed by CASACOR's Technology team based on the knowledge base of casacor.com.br. The generated content was later edited by Yeska Coelho.
