Madeira Island is famous for its Lauriselva Forest, which constitutes a natural heritage of paramount scientific importance, and was recognized by UNESCO in 1999 as a World Natural Heritage under the name "Madeira Natural Park". Rare species such as mountain orchid, Madeira laurel, bay tree and Madeira mahogany, as well as shrubs, ferns, mosses, lichens and other small plants typical of the Lauriselva forest.