Some Ecological Observations on a Tropical Forest Type in the Gold Coast

Abstract

The forest is composed of 3 strata, a very open layer of emergents exceeding 120 ft., an open dominant layer at 30-120 ft. and closed understory of small trees or tall shrubs 10-30 ft. high. Below the understory the herb layer varies greatly depending on the amt. of light reaching the ground. The understory is wholly evergreen but about 2/3 of the other layers are deciduous. This description is based on the forest of the Bobiri Reserve but forest of the same type covers a very great area of the Gold Coast. It passes gradually into the Evergreen Forest to the southwest and the drier type to the north and east.