Few Know, but There Is a 40-Meter-Tall, 500-Year-Old Colossus Living in the Heart of the Atlantic Forest

Written by Romário Pereira de Carvalho

Published on 03/03/2026 at 20:47

Updated on 03/03/2026 at 20:50

Imagem: Ilustração

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Jequitibá-rosa at 40 Meters Tall and Approximately 500 Years Old Identified at 200 Meters Above Sea Level Within the Pedra Branca State Park, in the Atlantic Forest of Rio de Janeiro

A monumental monumental jequitibá-rosa about 40 meters tall, a colossus approximately seven meters in circumference and estimated to be 500 years old, was identified by researchers from Fiocruz in the Pedra Branca State Park, in Guaratiba, West Zone of Rio de Janeiro.

Atlantic Forest, Jequitibá-rosa — (Reproduction/FioCruz)

Discovery of Jequitibá-Rosa Inside the Pedra Branca State Park

The imposing jequitibá-rosa was located inside the Pedra Branca State Park, one of the largest preserved Atlantic Forest areas in the capital of Rio de Janeiro.

The tree belongs to the species Cariniana legalis and was found in a restricted access area of the park.

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Species of the Atlantic Forest Threatened with Extinction

The jequitibá-rosa is a native and exclusive species of the Atlantic Forest. Over the past decades, the tree has become one of the species threatened with extinction, mainly due to deforestation and logging.

In addition to its ecological value, the identified specimen draws attention for its estimated longevity of about five centuries.

Trees of this species can reach up to 60 meters in height, being considered among the tallest in Brazilian flora.

Researchers emphasize that individuals of this species can live for centuries, also characterizing them as one of the longest-lived trees in the country.

Habitat for Various Fauna Species

The extensive canopy of the colossus jequitibá-rosa occupies the highest layer of the forest, known as the climax stage of forest succession. In this environment, the tree acts as an essential structure for biodiversity.

There are records of howler monkey infants playing with the encapsulated fruits of the jequitibá-rosa, where the tree’s seeds are stored.

Historical Relatives and Centenary Specimens of the Colossus in the Atlantic Forest

The species has other known historical specimens. One of the most famous is the so-called “Patriarch,” located in Vassununga State Park, in the interior of São Paulo.

According to carbon dating, this specimen may be between 600 and 900 years old. Trees of this group belong to the family Cariniana, which includes remarkable species in Brazilian vegetation.

The species Cariniana estrellensis, for example, was chosen as the symbol of the state of São Paulo.

Seed Collection and Restoration Projects

In light of the species’ risk of disappearance, researchers from Fiocruz collected seeds from the jequitibá-rosa found in the park.

The material will be used for producing seedlings intended for forest restoration projects and the reintroduction of the species in degraded areas of the Atlantic Forest.

According to researchers, the discovery reinforces the importance of Brazilian conservation units. The country’s forests still harbor areas little known to most of the population that concentrate ancient and relevant species for biodiversity.

With information from Diário do Comércio.

Few Know, but There Is a 40-Meter-Tall, 500-Year-Old Colossus Living in the Heart of the Atlantic Forest

Jequitibá-rosa at 40 Meters Tall and Approximately 500 Years Old Identified at 200 Meters Above Sea Level Within the Pedra Branca State Park, in the Atlantic Forest of Rio de Janeiro

Discovery of Jequitibá-Rosa Inside the Pedra Branca State Park

Species of the Atlantic Forest Threatened with Extinction

Habitat for Various Fauna Species

Historical Relatives and Centenary Specimens of the Colossus in the Atlantic Forest

Seed Collection and Restoration Projects

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Few Know, but There Is a 40-Meter-Tall, 500-Year-Old Colossus Living in the Heart of the Atlantic Forest

Jequitibá-rosa at 40 Meters Tall and Approximately 500 Years Old Identified at 200 Meters Above Sea Level Within the Pedra Branca State Park, in the Atlantic Forest of Rio de Janeiro

Discovery of Jequitibá-Rosa Inside the Pedra Branca State Park

Species of the Atlantic Forest Threatened with Extinction

Habitat for Various Fauna Species

Historical Relatives and Centenary Specimens of the Colossus in the Atlantic Forest

Seed Collection and Restoration Projects

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