Cinchona Tree (used in medicine): Malaria: a fever caused by a parasite that invades the red blood cells Inside the bark of the Cinchona Tree two chemicals can be found called quinine, and quinidine. Both of the chemicals fund in the trees bark are used in medicine. Quinine is a substance that can be used in the treatment of malaria, and fevers. Quinidine, is used to treat or prevent irregular heartbeats as well as malaria. Strangler Fig: The Strangler Fig is a keystone species in the Congo rainforest as they bear fruits for a number of animals in their ecosystem. The Strangler Fig will attach itself to a tree and grow until its reached the canopy level of the forest. Once its host has died the Strangler Fig will stand on its own with a hollow center. Moabi Tree: The Moabi Tree takes 90 - 100 years to reach adulthood. The Moabi tree is full of resources as its fruits can be eaten, cooking oil can be taken from its seeds, and its wood can serve many purposes. The seeds of the Moabi Tree contain an oil that is said to be very valuable and are rarely traded as they are more valuable than the Moabi's wood. Kapok Tree: The Kapok Tree is a tall tree that can reach heights up to two hundred and thirty feet, and can expand from nine to ten feet in their diameter. The tree is covered in external spines (spikes) as a way of preventing animals from harming it, the tree also has large buttressed roots to help with its stability. |