Specialized vegetation develops near soufrières or fumaroles (the crevices of volcanoes which vent sulphurous fumes). While these may be on mountain slopes they are also present in relatively low-lying areas.
Clusia spp., bromeliads such as Pitcairnia spp. and a few ferns and fern allies like Lycopodium are some of the plants forming the scrubby community in these areas.
The shrub is bwa wouj (Cyrilla racemiflora). (Photo © Arlington James.)
Rock balsam (Clusia plukenetii) occupies a similar niche in Martinique and St Lucia.
Both are Lesser Antillean endemics. (Photo © Arlington James.)
(Photo © Sean Carrington.)
(Photo © Sean Carrington.)
Environmental factors
Poisonous (often hot) gases; excessive salts in the soil, soil acidity. Windy and wet.
Fauna
In areas with no thermal activity, ground lizards, small birds, insects.
Caribbean Vegetation Mapping Project Equivalent
VII.C.3.N.c. Submontane fumeroles with sparse herbaceous vegetation