A recent study in Espírito Santo, Brazil, has identified 26 woody plant species thriving on inselbergs, demonstrating their remarkable resilience to harsh environmental conditions. The research, conducted on rock outcrops within the Atlantic Forest, emphasizes the plants' ability to endure water scarcity, nutrient deficiency, and high temperatures.
The study examined 300 specimens, including trees, shrubs, and palms, with particular attention to two species endemic to these inselbergs: Pseudobombax petropolitanum and Wunderlichia azulensis, both classified as endangered. The research further highlights the plants' significant carbon storage capacity, directly related to their lifespan and growth rate, as they efficiently absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
These woody plants can store between 14 and 48 tons of carbon per hectare in their above-ground biomass alone. Researchers suggest that these species could play a crucial role in more effective reforestation projects, especially in areas impacted by mining, which poses a threat to inselbergs. This study underscores the urgent need for further investigation to fully understand the carbon sequestration potential and ecological functions of these unique environments.