Solitude

9 points of interest

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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

  The Yucca Plum Pine

  Podocarpus coriaceus is also commonly known as the Yucca Plum Pine. It is a member of the Podocarpaceae family. Closely related to conifers, it is an average-sized tree, measuring around 10-16 metres. Its leaves – dark green on top – have a leathery quality that is reminiscent of the common oleander. They have a span of 6-15 cm with no discernible stalk. While its flowers are discreet, its brown-coloured seeds in their red floral buds are particularly eye-catching. It has a thin layer of bark. This species is found throughout the West Indies and flowers mainly in December and January.

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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. It is strictly forbidden to take away any plant parts from the National Park. 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

  View of le Grand Cul-de-Sac Marin

  Carrying on your descent to "Solitude", second viewing point of le Grand Cul-de-Sac Marin. You can see islet Tête-à-l'Anglais in the bay.

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  Flora

  Forked ferns

  Dicranopteris pectinata is a member of the Gleicheniaceae family. It is a pioneer species that thrives in an open and sunny environment. It tends to colonise landslide areas, the edges of forest roads and rivers and, more generally,
  any surfaces that have been severely stripped back in wet areas. Its network of underground roots plays a key role in consolidating the topsoil.

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  Fauna

  Leaf-cutting ant

  The Acromyrmex octospinosus is sometimes also called the leaf-cutting ant. Large worker ants can measure over 1 cm, but small worker ants are less than 0.4 cm. There are between 10,000-20,000 ants in a colony. There is a mutually beneficial relationship (symbiosis) between these ants and the fungus that they produce. The fungus nourishes the ant, while the ant promotes the spread of the fungus by cultivating it. It also contributes to the growth of its culture by chewing on the plants which are used as a substrate. The leaf-cutting ant is considered an invasive species in Guadeloupe, wreaking havoc with many plants, such as ferns.

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  Viewpoint

  Views of le Grand-Cul-de-Sac Marin

  On leaving "Bois du Comté", the first splendid view of the bay of Grand Cul-de-Sac Marin to the north awaits.

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  Flora

  Pumpwood

  Most common in light, windfall areas or at roadsides, the Pumpwood (Cecropia shreberiana) consists of a straight, hollow trunk with white bark and few branches. When you leave the forest and when you arrive at the intersection with the road, you cannot miss it. Its webbed leaves are white underneath and highly distinctive. They are green on top and form in clusters at the ends of branches. The tree 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.

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  Flora

  Icacos

  The icaco is the fruit of the icaco tree, a shrub from the Chrysobalanceae family that grows in tropical regions. Its white flesh and floury pulp is edible.