Which Forest is known as the Evergreen Forest?

Did you know that forests cover almost one-third of all land on Earth? These large green areas are the lungs of our planet, but they aren't identical.

From the chilly, needle-leaf Boreal forests in the north to the sunny Deciduous forests that change colour in the fall, every forest has its own unique character.

But one specific type of forest stays vibrant and lush all year round. Can you guess which one is known as the Evergreen Forest? In this article, we will explore the fascinating world of these permanent green giants and why they are vital to our survival.

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Which Forest Is Known As An Evergreen Forest?

Source: Roundglass Sustain

The Tropical Rainforest is the most well-known forest, often called the Evergreen Forest. These rich ecosystems are mainly located near the Earth's equator, covering areas like the Amazon in South America, the Congo Basin in Africa, and parts of Southeast Asia.

They are called "evergreen" because they do not lose all their leaves at once. Instead, they remain green and lively all year long.

These forests are essential to our planet. They contain over half of the world’s plant and animal species. They also serve as a large carbon sink, which helps regulate the global climate.

10 Lesser-Known Facts About Evergreen Forests

• The Amazon Rainforest alone produces about 20% of the world's oxygen.
• These forests create their own rain through a process called transpiration.
• Due to the thick "canopy" (top layer), only about 2% of sunlight ever reaches the forest floor.
• Some evergreen forests have existed for tens of millions of years.
• Over 25% of modern medicines originate from rainforest plants.
• They generally thrive in areas receiving more than 200 cm of rainfall annually.
• Because of the high oxygen levels and heat, some of the world's largest butterflies and beetles live here.
• Surprisingly, the soil in many evergreen forests is nutrient-poor because rain washes minerals away quickly.
• The Liana Vine is a thick, woody vine that can grow up to 3,000 feet long to reach the sunlight.
• They help lower the planet's temperature by absorbing vast amounts of solar radiation.
• On the forest floor, a fallen leaf decomposes much faster than in a regular forest due to the heat and humidity.

Which Is The Evergreen Forest In India?

In India, evergreen forests are mainly located in three key regions: the Western Ghats, the Northeast hills, which include Meghalaya and Assam, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. These areas get a lot of rain, typically over 200 cm each year.

Because of the steady moisture and warm tropical climate, these forests are very dense and home to many unique species. Famous trees in this area include Rosewood, Mahogany, and Ebony.

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Why Are They Called Evergreen Forests?

The name "evergreen" refers to how these trees look, not to a particular species. Unlike deciduous forests, where trees lose all their leaves in a dry season to conserve water, evergreen trees lose their leaves gradually.

New leaves grow in as old ones fall, so the forest always appears green and full. This occurs because the climate in these regions is consistently warm and wet.

The trees do not need to stop growing for winter or a drought. Because of this, the canopy stays thick and green throughout the year.

What Are The 4 Types Of Evergreen Forests?

While we often think of the tropics, we can classify evergreen forests by their climate and location. 

• Tropical Evergreen: These forests are found near the equator. They are hot, humid, and very rainy. 
• Temperate Evergreen: These forests are located in cooler coastal areas with mild winters and high moisture.
• Boreal (Coniferous) Forest: These forests exist in cold northern regions. They are filled with needle-leaf trees like pine and spruce.
• Mediterranean Evergreen: These forests are found in places like Italy or California. They feature hardy, leathery-leaf trees that survive dry summers.

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What Are Two Examples Of Evergreen Forests?

Two well-known examples are the Amazon Rainforest in South America and the Taiga, or Boreal Forest, in the Northern Hemisphere. The Amazon is a tropical area, famous for its large, broadleaf trees and extreme heat.

On the other hand, the Taiga is a cold-weather evergreen forest that spans Russia and Canada. It is filled with cone-bearing trees that remain green even in heavy snow.

Is the Amazon Forest An Evergreen Forest?

Source: National Geographic Education

Yes, the Amazon is the largest and most well-known tropical evergreen forest in the world. It is often referred to as the "Lungs of the Planet".

The forest spans a huge area of South America. Since it lies directly on the equator, it has high temperatures and receives rain nearly every day. This steady flow of water keeps the trees green year-round, eliminating a dormant season.

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