Paradise Flycatcher, Zombitse National Park

It was fascinating to hear what the local people use these different plants for. The wood of the delicate Mimosa plant is used to make charcoal because its trunks are so dense they burn slowly. Another plant locally named Katrafa has roots which are ground to make an essential oil common in sun cream and for massages. The wood of the Romby tree is used by the local people to carve totems and place on graves, and is remarkable for its beautiful bark and that it has no leaves. Instead it photosynthesises through its bark, which is green and very flaky. The locals call it 'Vazaha', meaning 'foreigner' - almost always referring to a white person as it looks like it has sunburn, just like a tourist!