FLORA
New Guinea's flora has to be subdivided into different zones. The altitude and amount of rainfall determine the zones. They are as follows:
1. Alpine High Country
2. High Country 3. Medium High Country 4. Lower Mountain Region 5. Savanne 6. Rainforest in Lower Altitude 7. Swamp 8. Coastal Region
1. Alpine High Country
This zone is permanently covered by snow and ice and is barely suitable for the settlement of people. The region is situated around the Puncak Jaya and lies 5030 m above sea level. It covers an area of 40 km2 and is only a few degrees south of the equator.2. High Country
The high country starts at an altitude of ca 3000 m above sea level. This is where the so called "fog forests" are to be found. The trees look slightly crippled and gnarled. They frequently host other plants, epiphytes. All species are covered in dense moss and many stems have beardmoss. Often heather covers the ground which easily grows due to penetrating light. From 3500 m above sea level onwards there is only one section of bushland which includes rhododendrons.3. Medium High Country
This zone centres between 2000 and 3000 m above sea level. It is characterized by many climbers, orchids, ferns, creepers in the midst of a mixed forest which is also host to many strangling plants. It is in this zone where the last primal forests of New Guinea are found. A primal forest is still in its original condition. The natural forest growth has not been altered by interference, for example by controlled burning off. Frequently tree ferns dominate, for example Cyathea, Dicksonia which grow up to 4 m in height.4. Lower Mountain Region
It is the zone between 1000 and 2000 m above sea level. The forever-green rain forests flourish best in this moderate region. All transitions from one zone to another are flowing smoothly which can be seen best in the Baliem Valley. This valley, mainly at Wamena which is 1630 m above sea level, hosts many plants which can be assigned to the Medium High Country.5. Savanna
Savanna areas are rarely found in New Guinea, only at the south corner of West Papua in the Wasur Nation Park. In the region of Port Moresby acacias and eucalypt trees dominate the growth of the savanna area.6. Rainforest in Lower Altitude
This forest offers the highest variety of plant species. The sub-tropical climate triggers a constant high growth in the vegetation. More 1200 kinds of trees are known in the region which are home to at least 80 epiphytes. These epiphytes supply certain nutrition in a symbiosis to their host trees.7. Swamp
The forests in swamp regions are dominated by sago palms which represent the main source of nutrition for people. Mangroves need a mention and the fact that many different species could develop amongst them. There is the fresh water swamp with its swamp grass, sago palms and pandanus forests. Mangrove forests grow in the salt water. Nipa palm trees have settled in the transition between fresh and salt water.8. Coastal Region
The coastal regions are covered with coconut palms which provide a great deal for the food chain. Huge pandanus trees also grow in these areas which are represented by 620 different types.
Text and pictures İHarald Melcher 1999/2000
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This page arise in cooperation with following persons:
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NAME:
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THEME:
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Maggie Melcher
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Translation
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