Cyrilla racemiflora or palo colorado is the most prominent species in this type of forest. Other common trees are Microphyllous garcinifolia , M . chrysophylloides , and Ocotea spathulata . The tabonuco forest type occupies the greatest land area in the Caribbean National Forest. The forest floor is only sparsely vegetated. Bromeliads, lianas, vines, and arborescent ferns are frequently observed.
Leaves are mesophyllous, and shade leaves, tend to be covered with epiphytic growth.
Forest management practices such as the establishment and maintenance of plantations, selective cutting, trail and road construction and maintenance, and shelter construction may affect the species. In addition, the extreme rarity of the species makes it vulnerable to natural catastrophes, such as the passage of Hurricane Hugo in 1989. All localities where the species occurs were affected by the hurricane. Protection of this species should be incorporated into management plans for the Caribbean National Forest. Propagation for the establishment of new populations or the enhancement of existing ones should be considered a priority recovery mechanism.