F L O R A
The Gambia has a great diversity in vegetation. In 1980 The Gambia still had about 50.000 ha of woods. In 1988 this was reduced to about 10.00 ha partially due to deforestation (the wood is used for cooking and building houses) and also to the advancing Sahara dessert sand. The last decade some reforestation projects were started. Different types of palmtrees thrive in The Gambia, namely the Coconut palmtree. Very distinctive in the landscape is the cotton- or kapok tree that can easily reach 50 meters or more. The kapok, extracted from the seeds, is used as filling for pillows and mattresses. The Cola tree delivers cola-nuts, which is not only the key ingredient for the softdrink but is also used for matrimonial ceremonies.
Mangrove forests are to be found in the river delta from where the river meets the ocean to deep inland were the river goes into Senegal.
Near the ocean oysters will attach themselves to the roots of the mangroves. In the dry areas acacia trees grow and also the most noticeable tree of Africa: the Baobab tree. This tree can reach 20 meters in height and can reach an age of 1000 years. The tree plays an important role in many African myths and legends. Your guide can tell you more about this if you’re interested.
Lilly’s, orchids, oleanders and bougainvillaea plants give the scenery a colourful appearance and wonderful scent. Many plants are still used for medicinal purposes.