INDIGENOUS PLANTS
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Argentina is home to as many as 1,500 plant species that are believed to be medicinal , and scientists are working to preserve species in botanical gardens and learn more about their healing properties . A species that is native to Argentina is the peroba rosa ( Spanish ), or aspidosperma polyneuron ( Latin ). The peroba rosa is a traditional ‘ timber tree ’ in Argentina that lives in the Misiones region ( in the north , east of the Andes ). Overexploitation and habitat loss have led to this species being reduced to the point that it is now endangered . This evergreen tree can grow up to 30 metres tall , supported by a trunk about 60-90 centimetres in diameter . This hardwood ’ s bark is thick and cracked all over its exterior ( this happens as it grows ). Perhaps related to its supposed medicinal properties , the peroba rosa ’ s oils and sap can cause irritation to people ’ s eyes , nose and throat , in addition to making people feel ill . Even worse , if the tree ’ s sawdust comes into contact with a wound , it causes burning and blistering on top of other symptoms , from muscular weakness and cramps to sweating , dryness of the mouth , and faintness !