Forêt de Mare Longue, Protected rainforest in Saint-Philippe, Réunion Island, France.
Forêt de Mare Longue is a protected tropical rainforest on Réunion Island that covers steep volcanic slopes with exceptional plant diversity found nowhere else. The vegetation consists of ferns, mosses, and rare trees adapted to the misty highland conditions at this elevation.
The forest grows on volcanic ground shaped by lava flows from centuries past, creating the foundation for today's plant communities. This volcanic origin explains why the soil and growing conditions differ dramatically from other tropical forests.
The forest is named Mare Longue, referencing its location amid misty highland waters, and serves as a living reminder of the island's botanical heritage. Walking through, visitors notice how locals value this place as one of the few remaining examples of the island's original plant world.
A marked walking path guides visitors through the forest interior where they can observe native plants in their natural setting. The terrain includes slopes, so sturdy shoes and a reasonable pace are recommended for exploring comfortably.
Tree roots in this forest have adapted to grow with minimal soil layers above volcanic rock, showing remarkable natural evolution in action. This adaptation allows plants to thrive in conditions most other forests would find impossible.
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