Plant Hunting in the UNESP cerrado

Abstract

Objective – To identify, select, record, and collect specimens of herbaceous, climbing, and shrubby plants native to the cerrado of São Paulo state with landscape potential.

Methodology – The collections for this research were carried out from April to September 2025, during the dry season, at the Bauru Campus of São Paulo State University (UNESP) and its surroundings, using the Plant Hunting method. The species were georeferenced, photographed with details of their flowering, herborized, and the data obtained were organized in spreadsheets.

Originality/Relevance – The relevance of this research lies in the exploration and presentation of the ornamental characteristics of cerrado species from São Paulo state, demonstrating their potential for use in gardens.

Results – A total of 114 individuals were collected and recorded, of which 98 were identified, representing 71 species. Of these, 58 are native to the cerrado of São Paulo state and constituted the sample of this study, distributed as follows: 19 shrubby, 17 climbing, 12 herbaceous, and 10 subshrubby species.

Theoretical/Methodological Contributions – Expansion of the use of native species, promoting landscape designs better adapted to local conditions.

Social and Environmental Contributions – Preservation of the Cerrado, promotion of more sustainable gardens, ex situ conservation, dissemination of knowledge about native species to the population, and the contribution to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, especially SDG 11 (Sustainable cities and communities), SDG 13 (Climate action), and SDG 15 (Life on land).