The littoral dry forest of Martinique can be observed on the leeward coast, near the coastline, in the south of the island and in the Caravelle nature reserve (photo) on the Atlantic facade of the overseas department. Also called xerophile, it represents 39 % of all Martinican forests and is found in areas where rainfall is less than 67 inches per year (1,700 mm/year). Made up of red gum trees, gaiac, catalpa, manchineel trees with toxic sap, or grape trees, it corresponds to secondary formations that followed past clearings and reclaimed abandoned pastures and crops. Relatively homogenized over large areas, it is divided into tall formations (65 ft / 20 m on average), denser and with larger trees, and lower ones (16.5 ft / 5 m). The very dry forest on the hillsides of the Caravelle peninsula is home to twenty-two rare species. Among them is the Caravelle large leaf grape tree endemic to Martinique and present exclusively in this geographical area.