Parotas are one of the
largest trees of sub tropical forests; they grow quickly to become majestic
canopy trees. Many characteristics of these trees demonstrate their adaptation
to the wet and dry seasons of their native habitats. They delay seed maturation
to coincide with the onset of the rains thus giving young trees the full extent
of the wet season in which to grow and send down roots to survive the dry
months. They are briefly deciduous in the dry season to minimize moisture loss
due to evaporation through the leaves. They also go to sleep at night.
As usual when examining
anything, I like to look at my subject in terms of its timeline.
How did this species fit
into its ecosystem, what purpose do the large seedpods serve and why are they
curved? The pods are similar to those of other legumes except that one side of
the pod does not grow so the resulting shape resembles a ruffle made out of
fabric gathered along on side. Scientists believe that the pods provided the
Pleistocene mega fauna, like the giant ground sloth and armadillo, with food
just at the end of the dry season. The tapir is the only wild mammal that still
takes advantage of this food source. The animals return the favor by
transporting and scarifying the seeds to insure germination far from the parent
tree.
Because of the typical
restraints of growing families in our society I had not seen the seedpods for
years. By the time I arrive to these sub tropical forests in August the pods
have disintegrated on the wet ground and released their seeds. So it is thanks
to Reina who gathers and keeps dry a large supply of pods until I arrive to
record their many shapes and spirals.
© spiabooks 2011
