Caribbean Montane communities

We are going to be looking at:

• Montane rainforest
• Elfin woodland 
• Palm brake

Montane Forest

This forms the transition between the rainforest of mid-elevations and the elfin woodland of the summit. The main canopy is 20-30 m high and trunks are mossy but otherwise free of epiphytes. Dominant trees include bois bandé (Richeria grandis) and the gymnosperm, Podocarpus coriaceus.

Environmental conditions

Typically > 750 m. This forest occurs in the montane zone where there is no dry season and there is always excess water.

Caribbean Vegetation Mapping Project Equivalent

I.A.1.N.c. Montane tropical or subtropical rain forest
Cordia elliptica – Chimarrhis cymosa – Tovomita plumieri – Pouteria chrysophylloides Forest Alliance

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Elfin woodland

A low, impenetrable thicket of dwarfed, gnarled trees found on wind-swept, cloud-shrouded, mountain summits. As the picture at right (Morne Diablotin, Dominica) shows, the path is in the trees  and one must climb along the dwarfed trunks of kaklen (Clusia mangle).  Trunks and branches are covered with festoons of mosses and liverworts. Epiphytes and small climbers abound and a luxuriant herbaceous ground layer may be present. Leaves may be scorched by the constant wind. Several endemic species may be found in this community. Typical trees include Clusia and Charianthus spp. Also known as Mossy Forest as well as cloud forest although the latter may not be stunted and can refer to any woodland community enshrouded in mist.

The Plants…

Those exposed to the wind often have thick leathery leaves (above) while those in shelter simply take advantage of the very wet conditions (below).

The beautiful moss-laden mountain fuschia, Charianthus nodosus, of the family Melastomataceae and endemic to Martinique, on Mt. Pelée. 
(photo © Sean Carrington)

Charianthus is the only genus endemic to the Lesser Antilles. Six species of these shrubs/small trees are recognised, three of which are single island endemics. All are found in elfin woodland communities and all are pollinated by humming birds..

More (in French) on the plants of Mt. Pelée

Click here for a botanical hike up La Soufrière (1467 m high), Guadeloupe.

Environmental factors

Constant wind, air dripping with moisture, excess water, low light intensities, often high UV irradiation, cool temperatures.

Caribbean Vegetation Mapping Project Equivalent

II.A.1.N.d. Montane tropical or subtropical cloud forest
Clusia plukenetii Forest Alliance

A poster on the endemic Tibouchina cistoides of Mt. Soufriere, St Vincent

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Palm brake

This subclimax developing on steep mountain slopes subject to landslip up to 1000 m. A stand dominated by
one of two Caribbean endemic palms, Euterpe dominicana or Prestoea montana, both known as mountain cabbage.
While there is no shrub layer, there is typically luxuriant waist high herbaceous vegetation inlcuding balasier (Heliconia bihai), fern allies and anthuriums.

Environmental factors

Constant wind and moisture. Steep slopes with land slippage.

Caribbean Vegetation Mapping Project Equivalent

I.A.1.N.c. Prestoea montana Forest Alliance