The Smugglers trail

7 points of interest

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  Geology

  Large rock formations

  Large rock formations with a distinctive shape. Water, the primary erosion agent, works mechanically on the rocks, producing a polishing effect.

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  Flora

  Tree ferns

  Phyllanthus mimosoides, a member of the Euphorbiacieae family, resembles a small tree fern. Set on the same level, its compound leaves are in fact branches made up of small, simple leaves. Lower down, they have tiny white flowers on their axils.

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  Summit

  Intersection at the top

  Intersection between the Smugglers Trail (east/west) and the Alizés trail "GR G1" (south/north), beneath the power line.

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  Flora

  Bwa rouj carapate

  A member of the Euphorbiacieae family, Amanoa caribeae 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 feature of this species is 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, while its very hard wood was used as timber or in carpentry.

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  Flora

  Chewstick tree

  Symphonia globulifera, also commonly known as the chewstick tree, belongs to the Clusiaceae family. The tree grows in thick, humid and swampy forests. Reaching up to 25-30 metres in height, it has stilt roots and a yellow latex trunk. Its flowers are formed of bright red petals, while its fruits resemble nutmeg, are oval in shape and yellow when ripe. It wood was one used as timber for houses and resin for boats.

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  Flora

  The Gommier

  The Gommier (Daryodes excelsa) can grow up to 35m high. When they are damaged, its white trunk and roots exude a white resin with a pungent turpentine smell, which is traditionally used as incense or to start fires, because it burns slowly regardless of the surrounding humidity. It is reported that the tree has the ability to cast out spirits. Its trunk was used by American Indians to make their canoes (kanawa), and is still used today by coastal people from many tropical countries, such as Dominique, to make fishing vessels. Its green seeds are popular with pigeons.

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  Viewpoint

  Viewpoint

  Views north of "La Couronne" (663 m) and le Piton Guyonneau (750 m).