Botany & organic gardening

The flora of Papua New Guinea is of the most diverse on earth. With habitats ranging from lowland forests at sea level rich of mangrove, sago, casuarina and palms to alpine grasslands. The most interesting formation covers the Papua New Guinean Highlands. Misty, jurassic-like forest, full of fern trees, pandanus, bromelias, lichens, mosses and other epifits, which together, create the 'elfin woodland'. Many of the plant species are endemic. Papua New Guinea is home to an indefinable number of charming wild orchids. New species are still being evenly discovered. On the other hand Papua New Guinea is a land of devoted gardeners. There is evidence that agriculture started 9000 years ago in the Highlands! Due to its rich volcanic soil and favorable mild climate, plants do not need any fertilising. Consequently, the local crops are fully organic and healthier than you could imagine. Spending one day working with the villagers in a backyard is a great lesson about sustainable gardening, that could not be learned anywhere else in the world.