The island Terre Grande of New Caledonia has an old geographic age. It features a variety of landscapes and microclimates. Because of this, it harbours a wide variety of plant species. Many of them are endemic and still it seems relatively often that new plant species are discovered here.
Making of: The flanks of the Dumbea river valley are occupied by shrubland and forests. With a Landrover we followed a dirt road to a clearing at the river. I followed
a trail along the rainforest and discovered a variety of plants. My primary goal was portraying this Bromelia community, including the water drops these plants capture. With the composition and low exposure I wanted to capture the impression of being deep in the forest. I have not yet identified all the species in the many pictures I took on that island. Identifying them requires special knowledge. Perhaps some of the plants in these picture are even yet undiscovered …
Michael Emmerich 