Tropical Rainforest:
- Tahiti's interior is covered in dense tropical rainforest.
- The rainforest contains a wide range of plant species, including towering trees such as banyans, mape, and breadfruit trees.
- The understory is filled with shrubs, ferns, mosses, and epiphytes like orchids and bromeliads.
- The rainforest is rich in endemic plant species, meaning they are found only in Tahiti and neighboring islands. Examples include the tiare flower (Tahitian Gardenia) and the miro tree.
Coastal Vegetation:
- Along the coast of Tahiti, there is a mix of vegetation types.
- Coastal forests with coconut palms, ironwood trees, and sea hibiscus line the shores.
- Mangroves thrive in the sheltered lagoons, providing important habitats for marine life.
- Beaches feature typical coastal plants such as beach hibiscus, naupaka, and sea grape.
Cultivated Landscapes:
- Much of Tahiti's land is used for agriculture, with plantations of tropical crops such as vanilla, sugarcane, and pineapple.
- Fruit trees like bananas, papayas, mangoes, and avocados are also commonly cultivated.
- Flower farms cultivating tiare flowers for the production of the iconic Tahitian monoi oil are abundant.
Montane Vegetation:
- Tahiti's mountainous regions have specialized montane vegetation.
- At higher altitudes, cloud forests occur, characterized by stunted trees, mosses, and epiphytes.
- The montane zone is home to unique plant species adapted to the cooler and more humid conditions.
Overall, Tahiti's vegetation is diverse and reflects its tropical climate, with a combination of lush rainforests, coastal forests, cultivated landscapes, and montane environments.
