Behind the Science
Pedro Nahoum is a biologist, ecologist, and independent researcher with over three decades of experience in horticulture, agriculture, biodiversity prospection, and the genetic improvement of bromeliads and cacti. Pedro has distinguished himself in the research and development of new plant varieties, earning international recognition in his field.
Scientific Contributions
Pedro Nahoum described two new species of Bromeliaceae previously unknown to science: Alcantarea delicata and Alcantarea intermedia, both in collaboration with Dr. Leonardo Versieux. He was also honored with two other species named after him: Alcantarea nahoumii and Connellia nahoumii, both discovered by him in the wild. Throughout his career, he has identified 17 more species not yet officially described. Pedro has also introduced dozens of wild plant species into cultivation for the first time, species that had only existed in herbarium records.
He specialized in the genetic improvement of bromeliads and pineapples, having developed four internationally patented varieties in partnership with the Dutch multinational Plantipp B.V. This achievement is significant, as few agricultural products derived from Brazilian biodiversity have secured global patents. His innovation projects have been supported by institutions such as FAPERJ and Finep, in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, the Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden, and UENF.
Pedro Nahoum speaks about bromeliads at the La Ballona Valley Bromeliad Society, California
Global Recognition
Pedro’s work has been widely recognized in international publications such as Fresh Plaza, the world’s largest fruit and vegetable portal, and in videos promoted by the La Ballona Valley Bromeliad Society of California. He was also invited to speak at the World Bromeliad Conference 2024 and the 2017 Brazilian Congress of Fruit Growing.
Pedro is a founding member of the Brazilian Society for Genetic Resources (SBRG) and the Brazilian Bromeliad Society (SBBr), as well as a member of the International Society for Horticultural Science (ISHS) and the Bromeliad Society International (BSI).
He has carried out hundreds of botanical expeditions throughout Latin America, including 32 trips to the Amazon. His name is listed in Harvard University’s botanist database, a recognition of his contribution to science.
