killarney possesses the most extensive area (approximately ) of semi-natural native woodland (woodland dominated by indigenous species) remaining in ireland. most of this woodland is encompassed by the national park. there are three main types of woodland in the park: acidophilous oak woodland ("quercus petraea-ilex aquifolium") on devonian sandstone; moss-rich yew woodland ("taxus baccata") on carboniferous limestone outcrops; and wet woodland (also called carr) dominated by alder on low-lying swampy limestone soils on the lake edges. the woods in the park fall naturally into two sectors, along the geologic divide. the oak and yew woodlands are of international importance.