with over 20,000 species of plants and trees, which represents an amazing 8% of the planet's total flora and fauna, the total diversity of species found in the mata atlântica is one of the highest found anywhere. studies have shown that even small areas of the rain forest, a single acre, contain more species then entire countries. in addition 40% of these are found nowhere else and include the brazilian rosewood and pau brasil but also a wide array of mosses, ferns and epiphytes (air plants) such as orchids, bromeliads and lianas.

many of the native species of plants have been used by the indigenous peoples for generations as native medicines, but much of this information has been lost over the years due to the assimilation and eradication of the peoples. however, the plants are still used today for food, medicine, clothing, construction, furniture, paper and in the production of perfumes, dyes and insecticides to name but a few, but all being very vital in importance for humans.