The Pampa: An Infinite Plain

The humid Pampas ecosystem is one of the richest grazing areas in the world. The original plant formation has mainly Gramineae halophile rangeland, dune grasslands, forested communities restricted to ravines, and cord shells. Other species like the quebradillo (Acanthosyris spinescens) and the jarilla (Larrea spp.) grow in the steppe regions. The medicinal species Erythrina crista-galli L. var. crista-galli, Phytolacca dioica L., Salix humboldtiana Willd, Grindelia pulchella Dunal, Larrea cuneifolia Cav., Larrea divaricata Cav., and Larrea nitida Cav. are described in terms of their botanical characteristics, ethnomedical uses, chemicals, biological activity, toxicity, and establishment of in vitro cultures and legal status, when corresponding.