Grosse Corde river waterfall

5 points of interest

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  Flora

  Balisiers

  A member of the Musaceae family, Heliconia caribaea is a large grass that is typical of the Lesser Antilles tropical rainforest. A member of the same family as the banana trees, the plant can grow up to 5 m high. It features an inflorescence that resembles a red ear or red ear with yellow trim, or sometimes completely yellow. Its flowers are visible all year round, most notably between April and June.

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  Flora

  Tree ferns

  Tree ferns (Cyathea sp.), members of the Cyatheaceae family, include six species, the biggest of which (C. Arborea) can grow taller than 18 metres. Contrary to what the name suggests, tree ferns are not actually trees. The young leaves have the distinctive shape of a cross, while the black stipe is covered with petiole remnants. The fibrous material at the base of the stipe can be used to make sculptures and containers.

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  Flora

  Asplundia rigida

  A member of the Cyclantaceae family, the French common name of Asplundia rigida translates literally as "fly wings" on account of its similarity with the insect. A typical plant of hygrophilous (moisture-loving) forest undergrowth, there are three species of Asplundia: two terrestrial and one epiphytic and lianescent (vines climbing from aerial routes).

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  Fauna

  "Colle roches"

  The waterfall pool is a popular habitat for fish known locally as Colle roches ("rock clingers") (Sicydium sp.), whose French name alludes to their ability to cling to the rocks. They lay their eggs in the river before the larvae are taken by the current and grow up downstream in the sea.

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  River and waterfall

  Paradise Waterfall

  This waterfall on the Grosse Corde river is nicknamed "Paradise", undoubtedly because of the beautiful pool that it carved into the rock, making it a true haven of paradise. Besides the main waterfall, there is a smaller trickle of water which is a hot water supply - a stark contrast to the cool water of the rest of the pool.