An aquatic forest is fairly similar to a tropical rainforest. The soil is relatively poor in nutrients, but the trees grow very tall and large. This is due to the organic material deposited by the floodwaters of nearby rivers. The trees are also experts in quickly recycling fallen leaves and branches, before the water has the chance to carry them away. The great variety of species in these types of forests has not changed in millions of years, but the quality and abundance of timber has resulted in the over-exploitation of these resources by humans. The result is the transformation of vast forests into small isolated pockets of trees, such as the one around the church of Saint Varnavas.