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Created page with "'''Macolline is a botanical nature reserve 3km from the town centre of Antalaha. Also known as Ambinany, the park covers 10 hectares and has over 600 native and introduced pla..."
'''Macolline is a botanical nature reserve 3km from the town centre of Antalaha. Also known as Ambinany, the park covers 10 hectares and has over 600 native and introduced plants and trees with precious and semi-precious species as well as a diverse fauna, including chameleons, butterflies and lemurs.'''
{| class="imageTable"
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|colspan="3" | [[File:Macolline Park 273.jpg|600px]]
|-
|[[File:Macolline Park 280.jpg|196px]]
|align="center"|[[File:Macolline Park 276.jpg|196px]]
|align="right"|[[File:Macolline Park 278.jpg|196px]]
|-
|}
Macolline Park was founded by Marie Hélène Kam Hyo, a pharmacist in Antalaha. A species of the Clerodendrum family (Lamiaceae) was discovered by her here in 2002 and formally identified and named ''Clerodendrum kamhyoae'' in 2016.
While flowering usually begins in April and continues until July, a highlight can be observed at the peak of flowering in May when the trunk of each tree is draped in long elegant clusters of white flowers. Marie Hélène dubbed the plant "Lamariée" ("The Bride").
The Clerodendrum kamhyoa plant has been assigned a preliminary status of “Endangered” by IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria. Conservation efforts at Macolline have significantly lowered its risk of extinction.
{| class="imageTable"
|-
|colspan="3" | [[File:Macolline Park 142.jpg|600px]]
|-
|[[File:Macolline Park 231.jpg|196px]]
|align="center"|[[File:Macolline Park 119.jpg|196px]]
|align="right"|[[File:Macolline Park 153.jpg|196px]]
|-
|}
The park opened in 2008 as a conservation site including an educational centre offering visitors the opportunity to observe and learn about the different botanical species along a well-maintained trail including beautiful views of the surrounding landscapes.
Among the different species in the park there are:
Fast-growing woods are often used as firewood and in timber for construction of furniture. One such tree is [https://prota.prota4u.org/protav8.asp?g=pe&p=Intsia+bijuga Intsia] which can grow at a rate of one metre per year.
[[File:Macolline Park 151.jpg|600px]]
Slow-growing woods: These are hardwoods that take several decades to grow. They are precious woods because they have a high value and are used to build luxurious furniture. Precious woods include palisander, ebony and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rosewood rosewood]. Macolline are collecting and distributing rosewood and palisander seeds and seedlings for replanting initiatives.
Native species: We speak of an indigenous native species when the plant is native to the country in which it is observed but its distribution area does not stop only in this country. That is to say, it can exist naturally in other regions of the planet. For example, one native species at Macolline is [https://prota.prota4u.org/protav8.asp?g=pe&p=Canarium%20madagascariense Canarium madagascariense] which apart from Madagascar, occurs naturally in Mozambique and Tanzania.
Endemic species occur naturally without human intervention and when they only grow or live there. In Madagascar and Macolline endemic species include Ravenala madagascariensis, Clerodendrum kamhyoae, Bamboo lemur and Mouse lemur.
[[File:Macolline Park 281.jpg|600px]]
The exotic species: A species introduced (planted) in a country that is not its country of origin, it is said to be exotic. Some exotic species become very invasive and prevent native plants from reproducing.
[[File:Macolline Park 220.jpg|600px]]
Lianas: In tropical forests including Macolline, lianas are abundant. They climb along tree trunks or remain free and hanging from branches making it difficult to spot the beginning or the end. Lianas are terrestrial plants that seek light. Liana is a name given to all types of terrestrial or epiphytic climbing plants, capable of clinging to a support. <!-- examples include at Macolline include -->
[[File:Marojejy_National_Park_098.jpg|600px]]
Epiphytes: These are aerial plants that use other plants as support without being parasitic on their host. As they grow, epiphytes seek more light. It is rainwater or dew that waters them or runs off their support. As for nutrients, they are provided by the humus fixed on the tree. Many epiphytes are orchids, ferns and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philodendron philodendrons].
Two distinct types of root formations that can be seen in the Macolline forest are ''stilt roots'' and ''foothill roots''.
[[File:Macolline Park 013.jpg|600px]]
Stilt roots are produced by the trunk or branches and develop in the open air before penetrating the ground. This adaptation allows a better base and elevation above the water (competition for space). In the undergrowth, some trees grow by extending their roots towards the brightest areas (competition for light).
[[File:Macolline_Park_225.jpg|600px]]
Foothill roots are vertically flattened root expansions, glued to the trunk. Depending on the size and age of the tree, the buttresses can be numerous, reach several meters high and branch out. They allow better fixation and resistance to wind.
Along the Macolline trail, visitors can expect to see:
1. Coffee tree - [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coffea_arabica Coffea arabica]
2. Litchi - [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lychee Litchi sinensis]
3. [https://tropical.theferns.info/viewtropical.php?id=Canarium+madagascariense Canarium madagascariense]
4. [https://www.tropicos.org/name/21300421 Ficus tiliifolia]
5. Mango tree – [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mangifera_indica Mangifera indica] & [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asplenium_nidus Asplenium nidus] (bird’s nest fern)
6. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uapaca Uapaca sp.]
7. [https://www.dominicagardens.com/pandanus-sp.html Pandanus sp.]
8. [https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bismarckia_nobilis Bismarckia nobilis]
9. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vonitra_crinita Dypsis crinita]
10. [http://legacy.tropicos.org/Name/40007509?projectid=17 Phyllarthron antongilensis]
11. Jackfruit – [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jackfruit Artocarpus heterophyllus]
12. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vanilla_planifolia Vanilla planifolia]
13. [[Madagascar Cinnamon|Cinnamomum Zeylanicum]]
{| class="imageTable"
|-
|colspan="3" | [[File:Macolline Park 009.jpg|600px]]
|-
|[[File:Macolline Park 006.jpg|196px]]
|align="center"|[[File:Macolline Park 005.jpg|196px]]
|align="right"|[[File:Macolline Park 011.jpg|196px]]
|-
|}
<HTML5video type="youtube">K2e2_4d-B_Y</HTML5video>
<HTML5video type="youtube">b7wAmbreIzw</HTML5video>
<HTML5video type="youtube">aEKCriLPqd0</HTML5video>
A knowledgeable guide explains the different species and their uses in traditional Malagasy medicine and culture.
{| class="imageTable"
|-
|colspan="3" | [[File:Macolline Park 167.jpg|600px]]
|-
|[[File:Macolline Park 169.jpg|196px]]
|align="center"|[[File:Macolline Park 175.jpg|196px]]
|align="right"|[[File:Macolline Park 160.jpg|196px]]
|-
|[[File:Macolline Park 173.jpg|196px]]
|align="center"|[[File:Macolline Park 172.jpg|196px]]
|align="right"|[[File:Macolline Park 170.jpg|196px]]
|-
|}
A canoe ride from behind the park offers visitors a tour of a traditional brick-making facility along the river behind the park.
[[File:Macolline Park 037.jpg|600px]]
It is difficult not to spot chameleons when visiting Macolline. Species of chameleons found in the park include Panther chameleon (Furcifer pardalis) and Madagascar pimple-nose chameleon (Calumma nasutum).
{| class="imageTable"
|-
|colspan="3" | [[File:Macolline Park 145.jpg|600px]]
|-
|[[File:Macolline Park 081.jpg|196px]]
|align="center"|[[File:Macolline Park 029.jpg|196px]]
|align="right"|[[File:Macolline Park 115.jpg|196px]]
|-
|}
<HTML5video type="youtube">P2QdY6eIwq0</HTML5video>
{| class="imageTable"
|-
|colspan="3" | [[File:Macolline Park 261.jpg|600px]]
|-
|[[File:Macolline Park 248.jpg|196px]]
|align="center"|[[File:Macolline Park 249.jpg|196px]]
|align="right"|[[File:Macolline Park 246.jpg|196px]]
|-
|}
Among the introduced non-invasive species is the Vanilla planifolia orchid, which can be seen flowering between September and November. Each flower blossoms for only one day each year and does not produce vanilla beans unless it is pollinated by hand. The best time to see the orchids is in the early morning hours.
{| class="imageTable"
|-
|colspan="3" | [[File:Macolline Park 193.jpg|600px]]
|-
|[[File:Macolline Park 200.jpg|196px]]
|align="center"|[[File:Macolline Park 196.jpg|196px]]
|align="right"|[[File:Macolline Park 195.jpg|196px]]
|-
|[[File:Macolline Park 186.jpg|196px]]
|align="center"|[[File:Macolline Park 188.jpg|196px]]
|align="right"|[[File:Macolline Park 181.jpg|196px]]
|-
|}
<div style="max-width:600px;">
{{#display_map:
-14.871818478797703,50.261602178689564~Macolline Park entrance and educational centre~~;
-14.872874097819007,50.26059125591863~Macolline Park~~;
-14.877120943062161,50.257971643976106~Brick-making~~;
|type=satellite
|service=google
|width=auto
|height=400
|zoom=16
|controls=pan, zoom, type, scale
|copycoords=yes
}}
</div>
The park is open to visitors every day. An information centre and various locally handcrafted souvenirs are for sale at the entrance. For guided tours and group reservations, contact Ertice and Lilyane at +261 32 89 358 26 / +261 32 55 214 08 (WhatsApp) or by email [mailto:marielilyane@gmail.com marielilyane@gmail.com] / [mailto:yarozafy@gmail.com yarozafy@gmail.com]
'''Macolline Park'''<br>
206, Antalaha<br>
Madagascar
Tel: +261 (0)32 07 161 01 / +261 (0)32 55 127 71<br>
Email: [mailto:macolline.madagascar@gmail.com macolline.madagascar@gmail.com]
'''Page under construction....'''
View all [[Macolline Park photos]]
== Further information ==
* https://www.macolline.org
* [[Media:Philipson_Clerodendrum.pdf]]
* https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WtIk09pDB9g
* https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Line-drawings-of-Clerodendrum-kamhyoae-Phillipson-Allorge-A-Leaf-showing-long_fig1_301740386
* https://fr.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Clerodendrum_kamhyoae
* [[:File:Indigenous_fruit_trees_of_Madagascar_Potential_com.pdf]]
* [[:File:The-Red-List-of-Trees-of-Madagascar.pdf]]
<!-- removed
Examples of plants and trees in the park include coffee (Arabica), Litchi sinensis, Canarium, Ficus tilifolia, Manguier – Mangifera indica & Asplenium nidus (fougère nid d'oiseau), Uapaca sp, Pandanus sp, Bismarckia nobilis, Dypsis crinita, Phyllartron antongilensis, Jacquier – Artocarpus heterophyllus.
-->
<!-- Auto-translation from leaflet
Fast growing woods
Fast-growing woods are mostly used as firewood and furniture timber. We distinguish Intsia, Jala (Cratan argiradaphne)...
Slow growing woods
These are hardwoods that take several decades to grow. They are called precious woods because they have a high value and are used to build luxurious furniture. Rosewood, palisander and ebony are slow-growing woods.
Native species
We speak of an indigenous native species when the plant is native to the country in which it is observed but its distribution area does not stop only in this country. That is to say, it can exist naturally in other regions of the planet.
The species exotic
introduced (planted) in a country that is not its country of origin, it is said to be exotic. Some exotic species become very invasive and prevent native plants from reproducing.
Endemism
A species is said to be endemic to a place when it only grows or lives there.
Endemic species are those that occur naturally without human intervention, they are indigenous. But many native species may not be endemic if they occur naturally in other parts of the planet.
The rate of endemism is one of the indicators of biodiversity.
The Tropical World
Thanks to high temperatures and high rainfall, thousands of plant species have colonized the tropical forests.
But the soil on which this nutritious vegetation grows is poor in stored materials and quickly degraded. Terrestrial plants and trees must therefore adapt their roots to a thin and fragile soil.
Some species have developed astonishing strategies to absorb water and mineral salts on the surface, while ensuring an anchorage to the ground capable of supporting trees 40 metres high covered with epiphytes plants.
The ethnobotanical trail
1. Coffee tree - Coffea arabica
2. Litchi - Litchi sinensis
3. Canarium madagascariense
4. Ficus tiliifolia
5. Mango tree – Mangifera indica & Asplenium nidus (bird’s nest fern)
6. Uapaca sp.
7. Pandanus sp.
8. Bismarckia nobilis
9. Dypsis crinita
10. Phyllartron antongilensis
11. Jackfruit – Artocarpus heterophyllus
The lianas
In tropical forests, lianas are abundant. They climb along tree trunks or remain free and hanging from branches and it is difficult to spot the beginning of the end. Lianas are terrestrial plants that seek light. Liana is a name given to all types of terrestrial or epiphytic climbing plants, capable of clinging to a support.
Epiphytes
They are aerial plants that use other plants as support without being parasitic on their host.
As they grow, epiphytes seek more light. It is rainwater or dew that waters them or runs off their support. As for nutrients, they are provided by the humus fixed on the tree. Many epiphytes are Orchids, Ferns, Philodendrons... and Bromeliads in America.
The different root forms
The stilt roots
Produced by the trunk or branches, they develop in the open air before penetrating the ground. This adaptation allows a better base and elevation above the water (competition for space). In the undergrowth, some trees grow by extending their roots towards the brightest areas (competition for light).
The foothill roots
These are vertically flattened root expansions, glued to the trunk. Depending on the size and age of the tree, the buttresses can be numerous, reach several meters high and branch out. They allow better fixation and resistance to wind.
-->
{| class="imageTable"
|-
|colspan="3" | [[File:Macolline Park 273.jpg|600px]]
|-
|[[File:Macolline Park 280.jpg|196px]]
|align="center"|[[File:Macolline Park 276.jpg|196px]]
|align="right"|[[File:Macolline Park 278.jpg|196px]]
|-
|}
Macolline Park was founded by Marie Hélène Kam Hyo, a pharmacist in Antalaha. A species of the Clerodendrum family (Lamiaceae) was discovered by her here in 2002 and formally identified and named ''Clerodendrum kamhyoae'' in 2016.
While flowering usually begins in April and continues until July, a highlight can be observed at the peak of flowering in May when the trunk of each tree is draped in long elegant clusters of white flowers. Marie Hélène dubbed the plant "Lamariée" ("The Bride").
The Clerodendrum kamhyoa plant has been assigned a preliminary status of “Endangered” by IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria. Conservation efforts at Macolline have significantly lowered its risk of extinction.
{| class="imageTable"
|-
|colspan="3" | [[File:Macolline Park 142.jpg|600px]]
|-
|[[File:Macolline Park 231.jpg|196px]]
|align="center"|[[File:Macolline Park 119.jpg|196px]]
|align="right"|[[File:Macolline Park 153.jpg|196px]]
|-
|}
The park opened in 2008 as a conservation site including an educational centre offering visitors the opportunity to observe and learn about the different botanical species along a well-maintained trail including beautiful views of the surrounding landscapes.
Among the different species in the park there are:
Fast-growing woods are often used as firewood and in timber for construction of furniture. One such tree is [https://prota.prota4u.org/protav8.asp?g=pe&p=Intsia+bijuga Intsia] which can grow at a rate of one metre per year.
[[File:Macolline Park 151.jpg|600px]]
Slow-growing woods: These are hardwoods that take several decades to grow. They are precious woods because they have a high value and are used to build luxurious furniture. Precious woods include palisander, ebony and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rosewood rosewood]. Macolline are collecting and distributing rosewood and palisander seeds and seedlings for replanting initiatives.
Native species: We speak of an indigenous native species when the plant is native to the country in which it is observed but its distribution area does not stop only in this country. That is to say, it can exist naturally in other regions of the planet. For example, one native species at Macolline is [https://prota.prota4u.org/protav8.asp?g=pe&p=Canarium%20madagascariense Canarium madagascariense] which apart from Madagascar, occurs naturally in Mozambique and Tanzania.
Endemic species occur naturally without human intervention and when they only grow or live there. In Madagascar and Macolline endemic species include Ravenala madagascariensis, Clerodendrum kamhyoae, Bamboo lemur and Mouse lemur.
[[File:Macolline Park 281.jpg|600px]]
The exotic species: A species introduced (planted) in a country that is not its country of origin, it is said to be exotic. Some exotic species become very invasive and prevent native plants from reproducing.
[[File:Macolline Park 220.jpg|600px]]
Lianas: In tropical forests including Macolline, lianas are abundant. They climb along tree trunks or remain free and hanging from branches making it difficult to spot the beginning or the end. Lianas are terrestrial plants that seek light. Liana is a name given to all types of terrestrial or epiphytic climbing plants, capable of clinging to a support. <!-- examples include at Macolline include -->
[[File:Marojejy_National_Park_098.jpg|600px]]
Epiphytes: These are aerial plants that use other plants as support without being parasitic on their host. As they grow, epiphytes seek more light. It is rainwater or dew that waters them or runs off their support. As for nutrients, they are provided by the humus fixed on the tree. Many epiphytes are orchids, ferns and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philodendron philodendrons].
Two distinct types of root formations that can be seen in the Macolline forest are ''stilt roots'' and ''foothill roots''.
[[File:Macolline Park 013.jpg|600px]]
Stilt roots are produced by the trunk or branches and develop in the open air before penetrating the ground. This adaptation allows a better base and elevation above the water (competition for space). In the undergrowth, some trees grow by extending their roots towards the brightest areas (competition for light).
[[File:Macolline_Park_225.jpg|600px]]
Foothill roots are vertically flattened root expansions, glued to the trunk. Depending on the size and age of the tree, the buttresses can be numerous, reach several meters high and branch out. They allow better fixation and resistance to wind.
Along the Macolline trail, visitors can expect to see:
1. Coffee tree - [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coffea_arabica Coffea arabica]
2. Litchi - [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lychee Litchi sinensis]
3. [https://tropical.theferns.info/viewtropical.php?id=Canarium+madagascariense Canarium madagascariense]
4. [https://www.tropicos.org/name/21300421 Ficus tiliifolia]
5. Mango tree – [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mangifera_indica Mangifera indica] & [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asplenium_nidus Asplenium nidus] (bird’s nest fern)
6. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uapaca Uapaca sp.]
7. [https://www.dominicagardens.com/pandanus-sp.html Pandanus sp.]
8. [https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bismarckia_nobilis Bismarckia nobilis]
9. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vonitra_crinita Dypsis crinita]
10. [http://legacy.tropicos.org/Name/40007509?projectid=17 Phyllarthron antongilensis]
11. Jackfruit – [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jackfruit Artocarpus heterophyllus]
12. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vanilla_planifolia Vanilla planifolia]
13. [[Madagascar Cinnamon|Cinnamomum Zeylanicum]]
{| class="imageTable"
|-
|colspan="3" | [[File:Macolline Park 009.jpg|600px]]
|-
|[[File:Macolline Park 006.jpg|196px]]
|align="center"|[[File:Macolline Park 005.jpg|196px]]
|align="right"|[[File:Macolline Park 011.jpg|196px]]
|-
|}
<HTML5video type="youtube">K2e2_4d-B_Y</HTML5video>
<HTML5video type="youtube">b7wAmbreIzw</HTML5video>
<HTML5video type="youtube">aEKCriLPqd0</HTML5video>
A knowledgeable guide explains the different species and their uses in traditional Malagasy medicine and culture.
{| class="imageTable"
|-
|colspan="3" | [[File:Macolline Park 167.jpg|600px]]
|-
|[[File:Macolline Park 169.jpg|196px]]
|align="center"|[[File:Macolline Park 175.jpg|196px]]
|align="right"|[[File:Macolline Park 160.jpg|196px]]
|-
|[[File:Macolline Park 173.jpg|196px]]
|align="center"|[[File:Macolline Park 172.jpg|196px]]
|align="right"|[[File:Macolline Park 170.jpg|196px]]
|-
|}
A canoe ride from behind the park offers visitors a tour of a traditional brick-making facility along the river behind the park.
[[File:Macolline Park 037.jpg|600px]]
It is difficult not to spot chameleons when visiting Macolline. Species of chameleons found in the park include Panther chameleon (Furcifer pardalis) and Madagascar pimple-nose chameleon (Calumma nasutum).
{| class="imageTable"
|-
|colspan="3" | [[File:Macolline Park 145.jpg|600px]]
|-
|[[File:Macolline Park 081.jpg|196px]]
|align="center"|[[File:Macolline Park 029.jpg|196px]]
|align="right"|[[File:Macolline Park 115.jpg|196px]]
|-
|}
<HTML5video type="youtube">P2QdY6eIwq0</HTML5video>
{| class="imageTable"
|-
|colspan="3" | [[File:Macolline Park 261.jpg|600px]]
|-
|[[File:Macolline Park 248.jpg|196px]]
|align="center"|[[File:Macolline Park 249.jpg|196px]]
|align="right"|[[File:Macolline Park 246.jpg|196px]]
|-
|}
Among the introduced non-invasive species is the Vanilla planifolia orchid, which can be seen flowering between September and November. Each flower blossoms for only one day each year and does not produce vanilla beans unless it is pollinated by hand. The best time to see the orchids is in the early morning hours.
{| class="imageTable"
|-
|colspan="3" | [[File:Macolline Park 193.jpg|600px]]
|-
|[[File:Macolline Park 200.jpg|196px]]
|align="center"|[[File:Macolline Park 196.jpg|196px]]
|align="right"|[[File:Macolline Park 195.jpg|196px]]
|-
|[[File:Macolline Park 186.jpg|196px]]
|align="center"|[[File:Macolline Park 188.jpg|196px]]
|align="right"|[[File:Macolline Park 181.jpg|196px]]
|-
|}
<div style="max-width:600px;">
{{#display_map:
-14.871818478797703,50.261602178689564~Macolline Park entrance and educational centre~~;
-14.872874097819007,50.26059125591863~Macolline Park~~;
-14.877120943062161,50.257971643976106~Brick-making~~;
|type=satellite
|service=google
|width=auto
|height=400
|zoom=16
|controls=pan, zoom, type, scale
|copycoords=yes
}}
</div>
The park is open to visitors every day. An information centre and various locally handcrafted souvenirs are for sale at the entrance. For guided tours and group reservations, contact Ertice and Lilyane at +261 32 89 358 26 / +261 32 55 214 08 (WhatsApp) or by email [mailto:marielilyane@gmail.com marielilyane@gmail.com] / [mailto:yarozafy@gmail.com yarozafy@gmail.com]
'''Macolline Park'''<br>
206, Antalaha<br>
Madagascar
Tel: +261 (0)32 07 161 01 / +261 (0)32 55 127 71<br>
Email: [mailto:macolline.madagascar@gmail.com macolline.madagascar@gmail.com]
'''Page under construction....'''
View all [[Macolline Park photos]]
== Further information ==
* https://www.macolline.org
* [[Media:Philipson_Clerodendrum.pdf]]
* https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WtIk09pDB9g
* https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Line-drawings-of-Clerodendrum-kamhyoae-Phillipson-Allorge-A-Leaf-showing-long_fig1_301740386
* https://fr.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Clerodendrum_kamhyoae
* [[:File:Indigenous_fruit_trees_of_Madagascar_Potential_com.pdf]]
* [[:File:The-Red-List-of-Trees-of-Madagascar.pdf]]
<!-- removed
Examples of plants and trees in the park include coffee (Arabica), Litchi sinensis, Canarium, Ficus tilifolia, Manguier – Mangifera indica & Asplenium nidus (fougère nid d'oiseau), Uapaca sp, Pandanus sp, Bismarckia nobilis, Dypsis crinita, Phyllartron antongilensis, Jacquier – Artocarpus heterophyllus.
-->
<!-- Auto-translation from leaflet
Fast growing woods
Fast-growing woods are mostly used as firewood and furniture timber. We distinguish Intsia, Jala (Cratan argiradaphne)...
Slow growing woods
These are hardwoods that take several decades to grow. They are called precious woods because they have a high value and are used to build luxurious furniture. Rosewood, palisander and ebony are slow-growing woods.
Native species
We speak of an indigenous native species when the plant is native to the country in which it is observed but its distribution area does not stop only in this country. That is to say, it can exist naturally in other regions of the planet.
The species exotic
introduced (planted) in a country that is not its country of origin, it is said to be exotic. Some exotic species become very invasive and prevent native plants from reproducing.
Endemism
A species is said to be endemic to a place when it only grows or lives there.
Endemic species are those that occur naturally without human intervention, they are indigenous. But many native species may not be endemic if they occur naturally in other parts of the planet.
The rate of endemism is one of the indicators of biodiversity.
The Tropical World
Thanks to high temperatures and high rainfall, thousands of plant species have colonized the tropical forests.
But the soil on which this nutritious vegetation grows is poor in stored materials and quickly degraded. Terrestrial plants and trees must therefore adapt their roots to a thin and fragile soil.
Some species have developed astonishing strategies to absorb water and mineral salts on the surface, while ensuring an anchorage to the ground capable of supporting trees 40 metres high covered with epiphytes plants.
The ethnobotanical trail
1. Coffee tree - Coffea arabica
2. Litchi - Litchi sinensis
3. Canarium madagascariense
4. Ficus tiliifolia
5. Mango tree – Mangifera indica & Asplenium nidus (bird’s nest fern)
6. Uapaca sp.
7. Pandanus sp.
8. Bismarckia nobilis
9. Dypsis crinita
10. Phyllartron antongilensis
11. Jackfruit – Artocarpus heterophyllus
The lianas
In tropical forests, lianas are abundant. They climb along tree trunks or remain free and hanging from branches and it is difficult to spot the beginning of the end. Lianas are terrestrial plants that seek light. Liana is a name given to all types of terrestrial or epiphytic climbing plants, capable of clinging to a support.
Epiphytes
They are aerial plants that use other plants as support without being parasitic on their host.
As they grow, epiphytes seek more light. It is rainwater or dew that waters them or runs off their support. As for nutrients, they are provided by the humus fixed on the tree. Many epiphytes are Orchids, Ferns, Philodendrons... and Bromeliads in America.
The different root forms
The stilt roots
Produced by the trunk or branches, they develop in the open air before penetrating the ground. This adaptation allows a better base and elevation above the water (competition for space). In the undergrowth, some trees grow by extending their roots towards the brightest areas (competition for light).
The foothill roots
These are vertically flattened root expansions, glued to the trunk. Depending on the size and age of the tree, the buttresses can be numerous, reach several meters high and branch out. They allow better fixation and resistance to wind.
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