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Restinga: An endangered, unknown ecosystemThe Restinga is a unique ecosystem, occurring in Brazil only. This biotope extends from north to south for thousands of kilometers along the coast. Geographically, the Restinga is an area, of sand and soil covered by low vegetation, lying between the Atlantic Ocean and the Atlantic Rain Forest.
This is an area with dense plant colonies, growing on the relatively flat sandy regions and rock formations. The so-called woods reach three to 15 meters in height. They are thorny thickets composed of trees, palm trees, cactuses, bromeliads and orchids. Cattleya guttata, Aechmea nudicaulis, Aechmea portosegurensis, Tilandsia usneoides and Bougainvillea spectabilis are just a small part of the wonderful and unique flora that can be seen here.
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Flowering CactiIn this area you can also find fauna and flora from the Atlantic Rainforest since both ecosystems sometimes overlap. At the first glance the Restinga seems to be very
misanthropical, but at a closer look you'll find flowering cacti, like Cereus obtusus, or the Pitangueira, with its red and delicious fruits or the cashew tree. Sometimes even a wild ananas. It is a very interesting and beautuful region.
And if it is too hot, the beach is always close by. :)
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