A Pocket of Paradise by Awake writer in Cote d'Ivoire - The Diverse Rain Forest

As we walk in the forest, to the accompaniment of a chorus of birdsong and monkey calls, we gaze in awe at the ancient trees with massive trunks towering up to 200 feet [60 m] above us.  Our guide tell us that more than half of the 1,300 plant species in this 1,4 square miles [3,5000 sq km] of park are exclusive to  this region of West Africa. 

The vegetation here is luxuriant and highly diversified.  Many species of timber trees grow in the dense forest, notably  mahogany, ebony, dabema and makore. We have to take giant steps over tree roots, as some of them protrude three feet [a meter] from the forest floor and spread out for 50 feet [15 m]. Animals sometimes seek refuse among their root system to evade predators or find protection during rainstorms.

The upper tree branches form a continuous canopy, thus keeping light from reaching the forest floor and hindering the growth of smaller plants. However, hanging lianas-woody pines-and epiphytes grow here.  Some vines climb the trees for support, entine them, and at times even strangle them.  Our guide shows us a strangler fig tightly encircling and immense tree trunk.  In time, the host tree will yield to the fig and die.

Tai park is a rich source of medicine and food. Our guide tells us that the Kru tribe uses the bark of the fever tree to treat malaria.  The fruit of another tree contains a protein that is thousands of times sweeter than table sugar. 

Next time: A Pocket of Paradise -by Awake writer in Cote d'Ivoire - Teeming With Wildlife

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