Native plant of the American continent, the ora-pro-nóbis (Pereskia aculeata) has multiple uses in popular culture, from cooking to traditional medicine.
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Watch the construction of a ovenbird nest (video)
In the new edition of the É da Vida section, environmentalist Francisco Amarilla shows a specimen in the heart of downtown Foz do Iguaçu. The plant attracts a large number of pollinating insects, such as bees (exotic or native).
Amarilla explains that the ora-pro-nóbis is part of the climbing plant family and piggybacks on other species to gain access to sunlight. The plant shown in the video, for example, is associated with a pine tree, climbing up the trunk.
Another interesting fact is the name ora-pro-nóbis, an expression that means “pray for us” in Latin. In many churches in Minas Gerais, the vine formed hedges around the temples, which the faithful used to extract leaves and flowers.
The plant has a high content of components such as iron and, according to popular wisdom, helps in the treatment of diseases such as anemia. In addition, it is associated with benefits such as good bowel function.
Ora-pro-nobis based supplements
In recent years, ora-pro-nóbis-based dietary supplements have gained prominence in health food stores across the country.
In April, however, the National Health Surveillance Agency (Anvisa) ordered the suspension of the sale of the products. According to Anvisa, such supplements lacked authorization for sale (Click here to learn more).
Support from the Bird Park
Produced by H2FOZ, the É da Vida program has the support of Bird Park. Presentation: Francisco Amarilla. Images and editing: Marcos Labanca. Distribution on digital platforms: Claudio Siqueira.
To check out recipes with ora-pro-nóbis, from juices to pasta and salads, click here.
