Morne Léger

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).

Commonly known in Creole as "Zanana mawon", Glomeropitcairnia penduliflora is a member of the Bromeliaceae family. It is a tropical grass, epiphyte on tree branches, or terrestrial. It has straight, tough and thick leaves which, arranged in the format of rosettes, take in substantial levels of water and are even home to some frogs. It features a floral scape in the middle.

The Morne Léger bivouac (shelter) has room for around 10 people to sleep in the heart of the rainforest.
It is strongly recommended that you bring your own floor mat or hammock (plus fasteners), because there are only wooden bunks available on site.
N.B. The shelters have no running water or electricity available. They are not supervised and do not include a cleaning service. Please leave them clean and tidy !

View of Les Mamelles : La Mamelle de Pigeon to the west and La Mamelle de Petit-Bourg to the east.

Sterculia caribea, known in Créole as Mapou baril, is endemic to the Lesser Antilles. The leaves of this plant can differ depending on its age. Its flowers appear in the form of a bunch of small yellow and pink bells. It produces quite distinctive fruits that cluster together in groups of four or five in woody follicles: they are lined on the inside with dark red urticating bristles.

Amanoa caribeae belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family. This species is endemic to the Lesser Antilles.
It is a large tree with a trunk that rests straight on its buttresses, depending on the terrain. The most distinctive features of this species are its reddish bark and roots at the foot of the trunk. Its leaves vary in shape: sometimes they are whole, sometimes pointed. Its flowers form small clusters. The hard wood of this tree was used as timber or in carpentry.

A member of the Podocarpaceae family, Podocarpus coriaceus is also known as the Yucca Plum Pine. Similar to conifers, the Yucca Plum Pine is an average-sized tree that can grow between 10-16 metres tall. It has leathery leaves that resemble an oleander's. They are dark green on top, with a span of 6-15cm and virtually no petiole. Its flowers are discreet, but its brownish seeds in its red buds are certainly eye-catching. It has a thin layer of bark. This species is found throughout the West Indies and flowers mainly in December and January.

Tapura lotifolia is a member of the Melastomaceae family. With a fluted trunk, this tree rarely grows taller than 20 metres. Its leaves feature five main lengthways veins that run perpendicular to its many secondary veins.

A member of the Poaceae family, bamboo is more closely related to grasses than to trees. Made up of a woody, hollow stalk, its stem grows extremely quickly. It is both a highly resistant and invasive species in Guadeloupe and concerted efforts are being made to put it to best use in crafts and construction.

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.

Miconia mirablis is a hardwood tree with white bark and fluted trunk. As is so distinctive of pioneer plants, it loves light. It is often found on paths alongside tree ferns or trumpet trees.

Most common in light, windfall area or at roadsides, the Pumpwood (Cecropia shreberiana) consists of a straight, hollow trunk with white bark and few branches. Here, you cannot miss it when you leave the forest and when you arrive at the intersection with the road. Its webbed leaves are white underneath and highly distinctive. They are green on top and form in clusters at the ends of branches. The Pumpwood flowers all year round. In traditional medicine, its leaves are made into a decoction which is used as a diuretic. It also acts as a tonic, anti-asthmatic and cardiac stimulant. Its latex can be used to treat bruises and surface wounds. The sap from its folded leaves is used to treat bronchitis.