Cocos Island Moist Tropical Forest
These forests cover much of the mountainous areas and range from about 50-500 m in altitude. The main canopy species include Ocotea ira and the endemic Cecropia pittieri (Urticaceae) and Sacoglottis hodridgei (Humiriaceae). They often have dense undergrowth including arborescent ferns such as Alophila armata, while sedges, such as Hypolitrum ampulum, are characteristic of the herbaceous layer. The endemic palm Rooseveltia frankliniana (Arecaceae) is also common in parts of the island. Lianas and epiphytic ferns, lycopods, bromeliads and orchids are common throughout the entire vertical structure of the forest. Some of the more characteristic species include Anthurium scandens, Lycopodium linifolium, Oleandra nodosa, Selaginella horizontalis, Tasadia colubrina and the endemic fern Trichomanes capillaceum var. cocos (Hymenophyllaceae).
Cocos Island Coastal Forest
Coastal zone forests are limited to areas below about 50 m in altitude. The main trees include Annona glabra, Cocos nucifera and Erythrina fusca. The shrub layer is largely dominated by species of Rubiaceae and Solanaceae, whereas herbaceous elements include members of the Cyperaceae, Fabaceae, Malvaceae and Poaceae.
Cocos Island Cliff Forest
The endemic tree Cecropia pittieri (Urticaceae) is capable of colonizing almost vertical cliffs and is commonly found on coastal slopes. Beneath the trees on coastal slope there is often a dense layer of shrubs and climbing vines. Among the more common shrubs are Clibadium acuminatum, Clidemia hirta, C. umbonata, Miconia dodecandra and the endemic Eugenia pacifica (Myrtaceae).
Cocos Island Tropical Cloud Forest
These forests occupy the highest parts of the island usually above an altitude of about 500 m and seem to be characterized by various species of Melastoma.
Further information required.
References
Balgooy, Van. M. M. J. 1969. A study of the diversity of island floras. Blumea, 17: 139-178.
Fosberg, F. R. & Klawe, W. L. 1966. Preliminary list of plants from Cocos Island. In: The Galápagos. Proceedings of the Symposia of the Galápagos International Scientific Project. Ed. R. I. Bowman. University of California Press.
Fournier, L. A. 1966. Botany of Cocos Island, Costa Rica. In: The Galápagos. Proceedings of the Symposia of the Galápagos International Scientific Project. Ed. R. I. Bowman. University of California Press.
Gómez, L. D. P. 1975. The Ferns and Fern-Allies of Cocos Island, Costa Rica. American Fern Journal, 65: 102-104.
Hertlein, L. G. 1963. Contribution to the biogeography of Cocos Island, including a bibliography. Proceedings of the California Academy of Sciences. Fourth Series. G. Dallas Anniversary Volume, 32: 219-289.
Mueller-Dombois, D. & Fosberg, F. R. 1998. Vegetation of the Tropical Pacific Islands. Springer.