The Atlantic Forest in Southeast Brazil grows on neoproterozoic Gondwana granites, intrusive rocks which represent the roots of ancient volcanoes, related to the Brasiliano – Pan African orogenic cycle.
Climate is subtropical / tropical with an outstanding biodiversity. In some spots, on 1 hectare, more than 400 tree and 5.000 plant species have been registered. Of particular interest is the Atlantic Forest South – East Reserves World Heritage Site