The different layers of plant growth in a rainforest.
Strangler Figs
Ficus Altissima
Leafy plant facts: - strangler fig trees are canopy trees (see diagram above) - stranglers can grow up to 45 m. - many animals rely on the figs from this tree in order to survive.
Adaptation to the environment: - adapted by using other trees to get itself into the canopy where it is lighter. - uses roots to strangle trees
DID YOU KNOW... That the strangler fig has its own relationship to a species of wasp? The wasp lays its eggs in the tree (to reproduce) and in turn, pollinates the flowers on the tree. Talk about a working relationship!
Mangrove Trees
Rhizophora Stylosa
Leafy plant facts: - live where the rainforest meets the ocean (see picture) - they have special roots that allows the mangrove to survive on loose, wet soil and underwater. - unfortunately, mangrove trees are one of the most threatened species of trees in the world
Adaptation to the environment: -can tolerate the storage of large amounts of salt in their leaves – which are discarded when the salt load is too high.
DID YOU KNOW... That mangrove trees are being cut down mainly to be used as charcoal?
Bengal Bamboo
Bambusa Tulda
Leafy plant facts: - grows in the understory layer (see diagram above) - can grow up to 24 m in height and 8 cm in diameter - bamboo plants are being used in the paper pulping industry and are disappearing quickly, although they are not endangered yet.
Adaptation to the environment: - grows tall very fast so it can get more sun through the thick trees. - It has multiple vascular bundles that are smaller so it can absorb water faster. - It requires a lot of water so the excessive rain of the rainforest is perfect. - The roots are large in order to collect more water.
DID YOU KNOW... That the bamboo plant can reduce soil erosion?
Jambu Fruit Tree
Syzygium Aqueum
Leafy plant facts: - the jambu fruit plant grows in the shrub layer (see diagram above) - can grow up to 6 m tall - many animals, including the Jambu Fruit Dove (appropriately named) rely on the fruit of this plant.
Adaptation to the environment: - adapts to cooler weather and withstanding temperatures as low as -3.89 C - grows best in tropical climates - dries out quickly - best cultivated in an atmosphere with warmth and moisture
DID YOU KNOW... That the jambu fruit ranges in colour? They can be green, pink, crimson, and white.
Coconut Trees
Cocus Nucifera
Leafy plant facts: - can grow up to 24 m along with leaves that can sometimes grow up to 5 m. - not only can animals benefit from the nuts, but humans can use the nuts for food and shelter as well. - there are many species of coconut trees in the world.
Adaptation to the environment: - Its fruit has a fibrous layer which helps it to float on water and get dispersed to far off places. - The fruit is well protected by the hard covering.
DID YOU KNOW... That the coconut tree symbolized romance in the tropics?