The image shows the Fanal Forest in Madeira, Portugal, characterized by ancient, moss-covered Ocotea foetens trees, some over 500 years old.
Key features include:
Twisted branches and moss-covered limbs create an unusual landscape.
It is a remnant of laurel forests that once covered Southern Europe.
At Fanal, the main role is undoubtedly played by the centuries-old Til (Ocotea foetens) forest – with trees that date back to a time before the discovery of the archipelago. They are part of the indigenous Laurissilva forest, which expresses itself in an impressive state of conservation given its vitality.
Portuguese settlers arrived after 1420, and are the first known settlers. The islands’ trees were cut for their timber, and Persea indica was the most sought-after. In the 16th and 17th centuries the southern side of Madeira was converted to sugarcane plantations. A system of levadas, water channels 80 to 150 centimetres (31 to 59 in) wide, was constructed of stone and later concrete to irrigate the sugarcane fields. Forests and shrublands were denuded to provide charcoal for the islands’ sugar mills. Goats, sheep, and cows were introduced to the islands, and forests were converted to pasture land, and the forest understory was grazed intensively.
Many exotic plants and animals have been introduced to the islands. A few are invasive. Plantations of Pinus pinaster and Eucalyptus globulus were planted at middle elevations. Eucalyptus has spread extensively on the south slope of Madeira, displacing native species.
The Madeira Islands laurel forest was designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1999, covering an area of 150 square kilometres (58 sq miles)
Tree Weaver 