The most biodiverse part of Canada for plants - Carolinian Forest

in #nature7 years ago (edited)

Canadian forests are diverse and broad and the Carolinian forest is the most vibrant.

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Southern Ontario's soil, precipitation and warm temperate climate results in the highest plant diversity in Canada. Though 25% of Canada's population lives in this small region south of Toronto to Sarnia, there's a diversity of plant species that's unmatched in other parts of the country. Though the trees grow taller in B.C. the amount of tree and vascular plant species in the forests of southern Ontario are numerous.

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Flowering raspberry, one of the types of bramble found growing in the rocky slopes of the Niagara escarpment. Luckily, this species is unarmed and thornless.

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A lone snail ventures out to explore a rock after the rain, slow and steadily.

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Blue Cohosh, a species of wildflower in Ontario which has bright blue orbs containing its seeds.

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Ghost pipe, a rare non-photosynthesizing plant that produces no (green) chlorophyll for its tissues. Instead it is parasitic on the root fungus of nearby trees, getting its energy ultimately from the photosynthesis of other forest trees.

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A rare woodland treat: Thimbleberry - a cousin of raspberries has a very tart and tangy taste. Who said exploring off the beaten path goes unrewarded?