Cambalache Forest Reserve


Cambalache Forest Reserve or is a forest reserve on the island of Puerto Rico.

Description

The Cambalache Forest Reserve is located in the municipalities of Arecibo and Barceloneta. It protects steep limestone hills known as mogotes, which are covered in moist forests. The elevation ranges from above mean sea level. Average rainfall is per year, with the temperature varying from. Mogotes oriented northeast to southeast have humid northern and southwestern slopes but xeric tops. It has an area of 1,050 cuerdas.

Flora

Common trees include Cecropia, Schefflera, and Tabebuia heterophylla. The endemic Puerto Rican Royal Palm and Palma de Sierra are also found in the forest. Zanthoxylum martinicense inhabits xeric areas. Eugenia biflora and Eugenia ligustrina are found in the forest. The hillsides and valleys are home to distinct vegetation zones. The valleys have lost most of their original vegetation and instead feature scrubby secondary forests and planted teak groves.