Argentina’s flora and fauna

Among the main ones Argentine Flora and Fauna Characteristicsemphasizes that, thanks to the wide variety of ecosystems found in Argentina and the different climates that characterize this territory, you can find More than 10,000 species of plants.

Regarding fauna, this is also very varied, being able to find approximately; 386 species of mammals, 297 reptiles, 710 fish and 156 amphibians. In addition, add that you can also find about 300 species of exotic plants and about 50 species of exotic animals.

Among the Argentina’s plants You can find the following species:

Aromo or Acacia Cave

It has its origin in southern South America in the countries of Argentina, Uruguay, Chile, Paraguay and Brazil. This species belongs to the family of legumes, can reach six meters high and is characterized by the yellow color of its flowers, from which essence is obtained to use it in perfume production. In addition, it is a species that has adapted to arid territories.

Capulí, Pitanga or Eugenia Uniflora

It is a small tree, it does not exceed 8 m high. It presents flowers of four white petals, simple leaves and numerous very striking stamens with yellow anteras. This tree is above all cultivated for ornamental purposes and by its fruits.

Cortaderas or Sealana Cortaderia

These plants are very tolerant and adapt to any type of weather and soil, they also grow in a short period of time. Their stems can reach up to two meters high and end in silky dusters, which can be silver or present slightly pink. They are plants that have been given decorative use.

Patagonian cypress or Fitzroya Cupressoid

They are very long -lived trees, they can live up to more than 3000 years, and are part of the rain forests of Andean mountains. Large gift, they can measure up to 70 meters and their leaves are small.

Ceibo o Erythrina Crista-Galli

In Argentina this species was declared as a national tree and flower. They are close to the bodies of water such as rivers, swamps or lakes, since it is a soleful species that are saturated with water. Its white, yellowish and soft wood is used for the manufacture of objects that are not very weights, and its flowers are used for fabric staining.

Pink or Calliandra parvifolia

The name that this plant receives is because it has a certain resemblance to a duster. It is characterized by a white color, less in its tips that are pink, can reach up to two meters high and bloom in autumn, summer and spring. In winter this species is very vulnerable in supporting frost.

Grasses or Poaceae

The species of the family of grasses are predominant in the Argentine flora, due to the extensive territories occupied by grasslands. We can find them in ecoregions such as the pampa, the puna, the spine and the Patagonian steppe.

Southern walnut or Juglans Australis

Decuccifolio tree of the Juguendáceas family, it can reach up to 30 m high and live in cloud mountain or Yungas forests. Their fruits can be eaten when they are ripe or immature if they are preserved in vinegar. It is a species that is threatened when its habitat is reduced.

Jasmine from Paraguay or Brunfelsia Australis

The colorful flowers presented by this bush can flourish both in autumn and spring offering an exquisite smell, grow in humid soils and can reach up to 4 meters high, and do not tolerate frost. This plant has ornamental use since the characteristics that define it makes it suitable for decoration.

Colorado Ingá or Inga Uruguensis

Lechemous tree with a trunk that reaches 80 cm in diameter and 15 m high. Characterized by white flowers of small petals, with colorful stamens and bronze colored legumes covered by small hairs. We can find this species in Argentine Mesopotamia.

South or Nothofagus spp

We can find these trees in temperate mountain forests, which include a height between 10 to 45 m, and can reach a diameter of up to 2 m. Its flowers are small, its simple leaves and their fruits are found in closed domes.

Palma Butiá, Palma de Yatau or Butia Yatay

It is a palm that is located in northern Argentina, it presents up to 18 m, a stem of 30 to 55 cm and up to 30 leaves composed of about 3 m long. The edible fruits of this plant are characterized by its fibrous, sweet and yellow pulp.

Urunday o Astronium Balansae

It belongs to the Anacardiáceas family and is endemic from Argentina and Paraguay, can measure up to 30 m high and the thickness of its trunk ranges from 50 to 60 cm. This species can be found in tropical and subtropical and jungle bushes.

Tucumano laurel or Ocotea Porphyria

It is an endemic species of Argentina, and also from Bolivia, it is a tree that inhabits mountain jungles, it can reach up to 25 m high and contains a trunk with a diameter of up to 1.30 m. They are species with small -sized flowers and greenish color, their fruits are small and their simple leaves

Pino Paraná o Araucaria Angustifolia

It is really not a pine, it is a Arauciacea that can reach up to 45 m high and a diameter of 1 m. It presents schegous, hard and triangle -shaped leaves, and their reproductive structures are separated in separate trees, that is, female cones in some trees and male in others. This species is in danger of extinction throughout its territory.

Now that you have seen the vegetation of Argentina, then some of the Animals from Argentina:

Puma o Puma concolor

It is a carnivorous mammal and the second largest in the American continent. They can measure about 2.75 meters long and weigh up to 100 kilos, however, females can be smaller. It is a species that is in danger of extinction, since even the governments of Patagonia encourage the population to hunt them to prevent these animals from ending livestock.

Jaguar, Yaguareté or Panthera onca

It is the largest terrestrial predator in America with a length of 1.85 m plus another 75cm tail and can weigh up to 158 kg. It is also in danger and is located in the tropical jungles of northern Argentina and has a yellowish brown fur with black spots. Here we tell you everything about why the jaguar is in danger of extinction.

Monte de Monte or GLIROID DROMICIOPS

It is an endemic Tsarigüeya of Argentina, it is characterized by a small size since it could fit in the palm of one hand with its 13 cm long and its average weight is 42 gr. The color of his fur is reddish brown with some white spots on the back and his belly is also white. This animal lives between trees and its diet is based on small vertebrates, caves and insects.

Pampeano deer or Bezoarticus Ozoceros

There are 3 subspecies of this type of deer, and two of them are inhabiting the high grasslands of the Pampas of Argentina. They are large animals with an average weight between 35 to 40 kg and can reach up to 65 cm high.

Caimán del Para O Caiman Yacaré

Among the fauna of Argentina, this caiman stands out has its origin in the tropical and subtropical regions of South America. In past times you could see its presence in Córdoba and Buenos Aires, although it began to be threatened by hunters for the leather industry. For this reason and others such as traffic or foster capture, make this animal today within protected species.

Southern Frank Ballena or Eubalaena Australis

It was declared by the Argentine authorities as a National Natural Monument. Large animal, being able to reach up to 16 meters long and is inhabiting the waters of the southern hemisphere, from the Pacific Ocean to the indication. The Southern Free Whale is very threatened by hunting and as a consequence it almost disappears.

Patagonian ñandú or Rhea Pennata

It is a large species that can weigh up to 25 kilos and reach up to 1.10 meters high, although females are a little smaller. In their legs they have three fingers, and these are adapted so that they can move at high speed, reaching up to 60 km/h. The body of the ñandú is covered by long feathers, less on the head and neck that are less size. In addition, add, that these animals are threatened by the hunters and the advance of the agricultural border.

Aguar will guazú or Chrysocyon Brachyurus

Also called Crin Wolf, it is one of the Native animals from Argentina And that is also in danger. Inhabits the thickets and grasslands of the plains of South America. It has a certain resemblance to the wolves and foxes although they are not related to them. It is a canid about 100 cm long, 90 cm high and its average weight is 23 kg. His fur is reddish brown, although some parts of his body such as the internal part of the ears, the tip of the tail or the chin are white, their legs are black and from the neck to the first part of the spine presents a thick black mane.

Frontine bear or Tremarctos ornatus

It is also known as glasses of glasses, it is in danger and can only be found in South America, specifically it is inhabiting the Andean forests and jungles, being very skilled to climb the trees. They base their food on fruits and herbaceous, although they will occasionally hunt. The fur of this kind of bear is black, although it also has white and brown strands in its throat. In addition, around his eyes are large white rings that can occupy the whole face. In this other article you can learn more about why the glasses is in danger of extinction.

If you want to meet more Argentine animals, we recommend this other post about 34 animals in danger of extinction in Argentina.

If you want to read more articles similar to Argentina’s flora and faunawe recommend that you enter our biodiversity category.