Centenary of Professor Francisco José de Abreu Matos: Professor and scientist from Ceará, reference in the study of medicinal plants in Brazil

Below, we describe the importance of Professor Francisco José de Abreu Matos for the study of medicinal plants from the Brazilian Northeastern region, which is part of the Brazilian biome known as Caatinga. He was a pioneer in this field and participated in several national scientific programs dedicated to the study of Brazilian Medicinal Plants. Professor Matos was the creator of the Living Pharmacy Program, dedicated to the use of selected plants in known ailments, especially those affecting poor people. Professor Matos travelled all over the Northeastern region, together with his friend a botanist, also from the Federal University of Ceará, Professor Afrânio Fernandes. Professor Matos contributed to the scientific formation of several generations of researchers in the State of Ceará, but also in the Northeastern region and all over the country, making his trajectory unforgettable among those who private from his scientific knowledge and friendship.