The Department of Environment and Climate promotes the planting of Talipot palm trees at Flamengo Park.

The Municipal Secretariat for the Environment and Climate (SMAC) carried out, on Thursday (February 26), the planting of seven Talipot palm trees in Flamengo Park, in the South Zone of Rio. The action is part of a replanting plan for the species in the park: by the end of the year, 28 seedlings will be planted.

The Talipot palm was introduced to the landfill in the 1960s by landscape architect Roberto Burle Marx. The species is known for a unique characteristic: it flowers only once in its lifetime, usually between 40 and 70 years after planting. Flowering occurs at the top of the canopy, with large yellow flowers. Afterwards, the plant enters the fruiting process, gradually loses its leaves, and completes its natural cycle.

Native to southern India and Sri Lanka, the Talipot palm can reach up to 30 meters in height. Last November, the flowering of specimens at the landfill attracted attention and drew residents and tourists to the park.

During the planting, the municipal secretary of Environment and Climate, Tainá de Paula, highlighted the historical and environmental importance of the landfill:

– We are in one of the world's most important urban gardens, designed by Burle Marx and built by Lota de Macedo Soares. The landfill was conceived as a large botanical laboratory, bringing together species from the Atlantic Forest as well as exotic species, carefully chosen to interact with the local environment. Replanting the Talipots is to preserve this identity and ensure that the original project remains alive in the coming decades.

The president of the Parks and Gardens Foundation (FPJ), Ricardo Pinheiro, also accompanied the action and detailed the initiative:

– Seven palm trees were planted today, out of a total of 28 planned. Their flowering went viral at the end of last year. We will closely monitor the development of the seedlings, with technical care, so that they can grow and, in about 50 years, flower again.

Conceived as a large botanical laboratory, Flamengo Park brings together more than 350 plant species, many of them exotic, chosen to compose a modern and monumental tropical landscape. The Talipots have been part of this identity since 1965. Preserving the park means respecting its original design and the legacy of Burle Marx, with technical planning and environmental responsibility.

Category:

• City
• Environment and Climate
• News
• Parks and Gardens

February 26, 2026

Appointments: Flamengo landfill Talipot palm trees planting