Many researchers have confirmed the biological richness of the land of the Incas, such as Leslie Holdridge, who maintains that of the 103 life zones that exist in the world, 87 of those are to be found in Peru.

The impressive green hills to be found on small parts of the coastal ecosystem are complemented by carob (Prosopis sp) and acacia (Acacia macracantha) woods, and a variety of cacti (Cereus sp.), found the length and breadth of the desert strip.

The beautiful, cold Andean landscapes are embroidered by yareta (Azorella compacta), a steep green pillow-like carpet, which grows only 1 mm a year and is in danger of disappearance. The Puya Raimondi, also in peril of extinction, grows up to 12 m and, incredibly, only flowers once every century, before dying. These plants can be seen in Husacarn National Park, in the department of Ancash. Another beautiful sample of the Peruvian landscape is the cantuta encarnada (Cantua buxifolia), flower of the Incas and now the national flower, which grows in the Mantaro Valley in the department of Junn.

However, without any doubt, the Andes' major contribution to the feeding of humanity is the potato (Solanum tuberosum), which in Peru alone has more than 3000 different varieties. The totora is also an important product for the economy of mountain dwellers. Growing in lakes, up to 12 species of this reed can be found in the Lake Titicaca National Reserve in the department of Puno. Other plants exist which are appreciated for their terapeutical value, such as the yacn (Smallantus sonchifolius), a tuber recommended for diabetics, or those suffering from high cholesterol or obesity, which is grown in Cajamarca and Ancash. Similarly, the maca (Lepidium peruvianum) has become internationally renowned, due to its high-energy value and as a fertility stimulant. This plant is cultivated in Cerro de Pasco and Junn.

However, it is in the jungle where the largest variety of plants exists. Lush trees reaching up to 45 m shelter many mosses and lichens. Some of these trees are locally used, such as the ctico (Cecropia sp.) and topa (Ochroma pyramidalis). Others are better known, as the cedar (Cedrela sp.), and the chestnut (Bertholletia excelsa). The long list continues with quinua or cascarilla (Cinchona micrantha), the bark used since colonial times to cure yellow fever, and the chonta (Euterpe precatoria), a palm tree which grows in the lower jungle and which has been used since time immemorial as a foodstuff.

However, the best known of all jungle plants probably is "cat's claw" (Uncaria tomentosa), it's name coming from the spiky curves on it's bark which are similar to the claws of that feline. It is used as a traditional Ashaninka medicine, although they are but one of the many jungle tribes which has used its bark for centuries in infusions and macerations, to combat inflammatory illnesses, such as arthritis, as well as gastritis, rheumatism, dysentery and other maladies. Furthermore, it is said that this plant which grows in the centre of the Amazon jungle, has properties which stimulate the immune system.

Finally, some delicious native fruits also grow in the jungle, such as the aguaje (Mauritia flexuousa), custard apple (Aona muricata)and the sapote (Matisia cordata), which are but a small sample of the immense biological richness of Peru.

(With information supplied by Dr. Mara Isabel la Torre, Biologist and Master in Tropical Botany).