When I first came to Pato Branco, I noticed some of the different plants right away, including some trees that looked like inside-out umbrellas. I did not know how to ask what they were, but I knew they did not exist in the USA. Later, my host professor told me that there was a pinheiro planted in the middle of a road entering the city. "It's like a symbol for the city and the state," she told me. I was not sure what a pinheiro was, but I was curious. I went on a run to find out more!
Pinheiro trees are also called Paraná pines because most of them grow in the state of Paraná in southern Brazil. They have long, straight trunks and upward curving branches at the top. There are bunches of foliage (leaves) on these branches. The shape of the top of the tree reminds me of a bowl.
When I first noticed the Paraná pine, I was fascinated. They look like they came from a prehistoric age, not modern times. Yesterday, when I went to take a look again, I still loved the unique appearance of the tree. Its height is very impressive when you are close.
