Some of the native plants of Peru are macua, quenua, cinchona, paico, cat's claw or cherimoya. Peru has about 25,000 species of native plants, 10% of all plant species in the world.
Thanks to your Geographical diversity (Desert sacks, mountains or jungle), 28 different climates of the 32 possible in the world and 84 of the 103 ecological zones, the Peruvian flora is one of the most diverse on the planet.
They are known as native plants since they are native or originated in the Peruvian country, some of them being food and / or medicinal.
The properties of Peruvian native plants have been known since antiquity. Some of these plants were cultivated in Peru from the year 1600 a.c. Since the native inhabitants were used by these plants for their medicinal properties and potential effects.
Moreover, the Incas considered some of these native plants as a"gift of the gods"; Cultivated them as food and used them in religious ceremonies for dances and rituals.
In 2009 alone, Peru exported native plants such as camu camu, maca, cat's claw, tara, quinoa, sacha inchi, achiote, aguaymanto, walnuts, purple corn, giant corn from Cusco, kiwicha and yacón, with a value Close to 87 million dollars.
Maybe you might be interested The flora of the Peruvian coast .
21 common native plants from Peru
1- Maca
It is a tuber originated in the Andes. It contains elements such as calcium, potassium, and iron, silicon, iodine and phosphorus.
It influences hormones, helping to normalize the thyroid and endocrine glands, as well as helping to oxygenate muscle tissues. It is also an energizer and helps fight osteoporosis.
2- That one
It is a small tree native to the Andes. Its leaves are small, its trunk is twisted and its bark reddish. It looks like paper and is known as"the tourists tree".
3- Cinchona
It is a tree of about 10 meters, native of the Andes, being well known for being present in the coat of arms of the Peruvian national flag. Its bark contains quinine and is used to treat malaria.
4- Paico
It is a perennial herb native to Central America. Its flowers are small and green and grow in hot temperatures and subtropical areas.
It is used in the kitchen for its strong flavor, being compared with citrus herbs, anise and oregano.
It is sometimes used to combat human worm infections and as a treatment for amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea and malaria.
5- Cat's claw
You have large, curved spines that grow along your vine. It is used as a medicine to treat inflammatory diseases such as arthritis, to cleanse the digestive tract and as a treatment in cancer. Contains chemical alkaloids oxindoles.
6- Custard apple
It is a species of edible fruit native to Peru, transported to the rest of the Andes and to Central America.
It has a creamy texture and the Peruvian moche culture often represented it in its crafts.
7- Achiote
It has an intense red flesh. Its flakes can be used against sore throats, diarrhea, asthma, angina, vomiting and headache.
8- Mashua
This plant is cultivated from 2800 to 3800 meters above sea level. It can be consumed cooked or boiled, although it is usually used in sweet with milk.
It lowers testosterone levels, so it is used in diseases of the prostate. Industrially it is an input for antibiotics.
9- Puya Raimondi
It is a wild species endemic to the Andes. It reaches 12 meters in height and produces up to 8,000 flowers throughout its life, which can last up to 100 years.
10- Arracacha
It is a root vegetable native to the Andes. It is an intermediate vegetable between a carrot and a celery.
It has a lot of starch and is a popular food throughout South America. The roots are similar to a carrot, with a lot of white skin. The interior can be white, yellow, purple.
eleven- Quinoa
It is a cereal with high protein content; Is a source of many amino acids necessary for human development.
Industrially it is commercialized in the form of flour and in flakes. It can be consumed alone, in sweets, in stews, and in soups.
12- Yacon
This tubercle is used in regimens to lose weight. It has anti-diabetic properties and provides relief for gastrointestinal and kidney problems.
13- Guava
It is a fruit with abundant vitamin C content. It helps to counteract high blood pressure and stimulates cardiac activity.
The leaves of this plant can be used as intestinal astringents, in the stomach pains and as healing of the skin.
14- Cantuta
It is the national flower of Peru, known as the"sacred flower of the Incas". It measures 3 m and has red or yellow flowers.
fifteen- Ichu
It is the typical plant of the Andean plateau. It is a type of grass with great importance in this region as it is used as fodder for llamas, alpacas, sheep, etc. It is also used to make roofs, bricks, and fuel.
16- Aguaymanto
It is a digestive plant rich in vitamin C . It is a great antioxidant that favors the healing of wounds. It also helps to improve some allergic conditions.
17- Totora
It is a species of sedge found mostly in Lake Titicaca and on the coast. The natives use this plant to make their floating islands, houses and boats.
18- Sacha inchi
It is a perennial plant. Your oil has nutraceutical properties. It has a lot of vitamin A, vitamin E, fatty acids, and omega 3, 6 and 9. It is consumed in the form of parboiled grain or is liquefied in the form of puree.
19- Orchid
Peru, the fourth country in orchid diversity, has about 2,500 species distributed in 224 genera. They are found in the Amazon rainforest and in the high jungles like Machu Picchu.
twenty- Hercampuri
This small shrub is grown in the mountains and helps to regulate the metabolism of fats, being very used in the treatment of obesity.
It acts as a diuretic, facilitates circulation, is a hepatoprotective and acts as a glycemic hipo.
twenty-one- Goose
It is a tuber native to the Andes. It is generally cultivated by Quechua and Alymara farmers; Has been an essential food in the rural diets of the Andes for centuries.
References
- Typical peruvian plants. Retrieved from peruinformation.com.
- Peruvian native plants surprised by their properties (2010) Recovered from spanish.peopledaily.com.cn.