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'''Macolline Forest is a botanical nature reserve 3km from the town centre of Antalaha. Also known as Ambinany, the park area 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.'''
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Macolline Park Forest 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").
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In 2008 the park forest area opened as a conservation site including an educational centre offering visitors the opportunity to learn and see the different botanical species along a well-maintained trail including beautiful views of the surrounding landscapes.
''Among the different species in the park forest 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.
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A canoe ride from behind the park offers visitors a tour of a traditional brick-making facility along the river behind the parkforest.
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The park forest 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]
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