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Tropical Trees
The Tropical Tree page
is still under construction. We hope
we will
be able to deliver a nice content till Christmass 2008.
Left side, a Mahogany Tree
Trees
British settlers exploited the forest for mahogany, beginning around
the middle of the 17th century. It was originally exported to the
United Kingdom in the form of squared logs, but shipment now consits
mainly of sawn lumber.
The Mahogany Tree (Swietenia Macrophilla) is one of the magnificent
giants of the forest. Rising straight and tall to over a hundred feet
from great buttresses at the roots, it emerges above the canopy of the
surrounding trees with a crown of large, shining green leaves. You will
encounter immense trees forming a canopy so thick that only streaks of
sunlight filter through to the forest floor. This has often been
described as the "cathedral" effect. The understory, being deprived of
sunlight, will consist of young trees with large, thin leaves and
occasional bunches of heliconias, ferns and other shrubs where the
forest floor is damp.
The forest floor will be a thick mat of decomposing plant material and
riddled with invertebrates. Lianas and other vines will snake from tree
to tree, while orchids and bromeliads will hang precariously on the
trunks and branches above.
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Guide to Belize brought to you from
At Ease in Bellize Ltd.
© 2009 Guide to Belize / Switzerland / Germany / Austria
 
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