The Pau Brasil is the national tree of Brazil, but it is also endangered.
The Pau Brasil is the national tree of Brazil, but it is also endangered. It is an important part of the ecosystem, as it provides homes for plants that grow on other plants purely for support, such as orchids. These types of plants are epiphytes. The Pau Brasil can also be used to create a red dye, which is why it is endangered. The timber from the Pau Brasil tree is nearly indestructible and has been used to make instrumental bows, constructions, and tools. The continued removal of these trees for use has led to a drastic drop in their population.