The brazilian native orchid Brassavola tuberculata Hook.: ornamental potential and reintroduction

• Published in: Ornamental Horticulture (Campinas) 2024-01, Vol.30
• Main Authors: Ribeiro, Isabella Souza, Ribeiro, Luan Marlon, Ramos, Jéssica Celeste Mônico, Soares, Jackeline Schultz, Sorgato, José Carlos
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: AGRONOMY; landscaping; natural environment; Orchidaceae; substrates
• ISSN: 2447-536X; 2447-536X
• DOI: 10.1590/2447-536x.v30.e242768

Abstract The use of native species in landscaping has gained prominence due to their adaptability and sustainability compared to exotic species. To introduce a new plant into landscaping, it is necessary to define desirable ornamental characteristics. This study aimed to evaluate the ornamental potential and the feasibility of reintroducing the brazilian native orchid Brassavola tuberculata Hook. in natural environments, aiming for its use in sustainable landscaping with and without fertilization. The research was conducted in two main stages. In the first stage, the morphological characteristics of three individuals with floral buds were analyzed, focusing on quantitative aspects. The results showed that the species presents elegant inflorescences and fragrant flowers, with slightly yellowish white petals and a labellum articulated at the base. In the second stage, 20 plants originating from asymbiotic seeding, approximately 10 cm in height, were reintroduced into phorophytes of Hymenaea courbaril. A mixture of buriti palm fiber and coconut chips was used as the substrate. The plants were divided into two groups: one received 12 g of controlled-release fertilizer (NPK 15-15-15 + micronutrients) and the other received no fertilization. Evaluations were carried out on the day of reintroduction (day zero) and at 7, 14, 21, 30, 60, 90, 120, 180, and 360 days after reintroduction. The results indicate that the morphological aspects of B. tuberculata attribute ornamental potential to the species, and it can be successfully reintroduced into natural environments, even without fertilization. The plant demonstrated a remarkable ability to adapt and survive, reorganizing its metabolism to cope with initial stress. Resumo A utilização de espécies nativas no paisagismo tem ganhado destaque devido à sua adaptabilidade e sustentabilidade em comparação com espécies exóticas. Para introduzir uma nova planta no paisagismo, é necessário definir características ornamentais desejáveis. Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar o potencial ornamental e a viabilidade de reintrodução da orquídea nativa brasileira Brassavola tuberculata Hook. em ambientes naturais, visando seu uso no paisagismo sustentável com e sem fertilização. A pesquisa foi conduzida em duas etapas principais. Na primeira etapa, foram analisadas as características morfológicas de três indivíduos com botões florais, focando em aspectos quantitativos. Os resultados mostraram que a espécie apresenta inflorescência