Color identity in South American natural landscapes: herbs, flowers and fruits crops

Abstract

Natural landscape is associated to national identity. Particularly, local flora expresses national differences and diversity through a number of sensory characteristics. For example, national flowers are symbols representing a country, that may have cultural or religious roots. Depiction of color landscapes may be related to the naturalization of the region, which gives primacy to nature and is typically found in countries which have been former colonies, such as South American countries. Thus in this region, borders of each country become diffuse and a regional identity is historically established. This work is an outcome of a CYTED network composed by members of eight Iberoamerican countries. This network focused in the valorization of unexplored plant sources of bioactive compounds for food, medical and cosmetic applications and in spreading their advantages in several workshops and seminars. The meetings were held at several different locations. During these meetings the different natural and cultural resources prompted the attention of participants and the idea of sharing photographs sprang up. Inspired by the AIC meeting call, color characterization of local flora peculiarities became appealing. For the purpose of this work several plant materials considered of special value, have been selected in different countries of the network. The chromatic coordinates have been thus obtained. The color characteristics were evaluated through all seasons, from January to September, and throughout several South American regions. This work displays the relevance of multidisciplinary and multicultural networks which enable a shared vision and multiple and unexpected outcomes.