Home to the Amazon Rainforest, South America boasts one of the most diverse ecosystems in the world. The diversity of plant species is the highest on earth with some experts estimating that one square kilometre may contain over 75,000 types of trees and 150,000 species of higher plants. One square kilometre of Amazon rainforest can contain about 90,790 tonnes of living plants. Such a variety lends itselft to the hardwood industry as South America provides the second lasrgest specie colletion, as well as some of the worlds most common exotic woods.