Foliar metal accumulation in plants from copper-rich ultramafic outcrops: case studies from Malaysia and Brazil

Ultramafic soils are characterized by relatively high concentrations of nickel (Ni), chromium (Cr), and cobalt (Co). Globally, some ultramafic outcrops are also rich in copper (Cu) and other metals. The occurrence of Cu-accumulating plants on such soils is a very rare phenomenon so far only described from Sri Lanka. The objective of this study was to evaluate the elemental profiles of plants growing in their natural habitat on polymetallic Cu-rich ultramafic soils, with particular focus on unusual uptake of Cu, and possible co-accumulation of other metals