The plants of Equatorial Guinea (02)

Located on the west coast of central Africa, Equatorial Guinea is home to one of the most biodiverse ecosystems in the world. The landscape is dominated by vast low-lying tropical rainforests that make up the Congo Basin, complemented by lush mangroves along the coastlines and volcanic highlands on Bioko Island. The flora is exceptionally rich, comprising more than 3,000 plant species, including giant hardwood trees such as the okoumé and the iconic kapok tree, as well as numerous rare orchids, ferns and lianas. Constant high humidity and abundant rainfall keep the vegetation deep green all year round, which is crucial for the preservation of local wildlife, although deforestation by the timber industry is a growing threat to this natural heritage.