Tropical Forest
The Park 

For a species list of trees in the park, go to flora.
 
Evergreen Tropical Forest
 
A number of classic, tropical forest Dipterocarp species are found in Cat Tien, including: Dipterocarpus alatus. (which is being re-planted near the Park HQ; 6 other spp. are listed), Hopea odorata and 3 Shorea spp.
Afzelia xylocopa: 'Uncle Dong's tree' Stranglers, including species in the genus Ficus (Moraceae) are a common sight ...
Deciduous Forest ... and their fruit are an important food source for monkeys, birds, etc.
Buttressed roots of the Tung tree
(Tetrameles nudiflora)
 
Lagerstroemia (Lythraceae: 6 spp.) - this species of crape-myrtle is one of the commoner trees near the Park HQ
   
A large number of palm species (Arecaceae) can be found in the Park.

The picture below shows a lower canopy specimen adjacent to the buttressed roots of of larger trees.

Another member of the palm family is rattan, which is used throughout Asia for making furniture, but is now relatively rare in the wild. The smooth stems are commonly seen trailing along the Park forest floor, but then become covered with a spiny sheath before climbing towards the light tree canopy (inset below left).


More on the types of tropical forest here (external WWF page).

The People 
The Forest 
Plants 
Mammals 
Birds 
Amphibians 
& reptiles
 
Waterways 
Fish 
Insects 
Ecosystem 
Conservation 
Getting there 
(external site)  

updated: 5 April 2008 

 
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