Plants in the rainforest

The following plant adaptations enable tropical plants to live in the hot, humid and wet conditions of the tropical rainforest.

Bromeliads are related to the pineapple family. They are found almost exclusively in the Americas. Some grow in the ground but most species grow on the branches of trees. Small roots anchor plants to supporting branches. Their thick, waxy leaves form a bowl shape in the centre for catching rainwater. Some bromeliads can hold several gallons of water and are miniature ecosystems in themselves providing homes for several creatures including frogs and their tadpoles, salamanders, snails, beetles and mosquito larvae. Those that die decompose and furnish the plant with nutrients. One bromeliad was found to contain several small beetles, crane flies, earwigs, a frog, a cockroach, spiders, fly larvae, a millipede, a scorpion, woodlice and an earthworm! Most bromeliads produce conspicuous flowers that are pollinated by nectar-gathering birds.     

Gongora Orchid: Like other orchids, the gongora grows on the trunks and branches of forest trees. This orchid has brightly colored flowers that produce a powerful fragrance attractive to bees. The gongora flower is shaped in a way that attracts and allows only certain kinds of nectar-seeking bees to pick up or to deposit pollen that they have carried in from other orchids. Without the trees the orchid would have no support on which to grow. Without the bees the orchid would not be able to successfully reproduce.

Crecropia Tree

A tropical relative of the mulberry tree that is found in the understory and lower canopy layers of the forest, cecropia are relatively small, umbrella-shaped, quick-growing trees that can increase six feet in height each year. They are relatively short-lived (rarely exceeding 80 years), and are eventually replaced by other tree species that grow up beneath them and ultimately reach the canopy. Cecropias are “pioneer” species that quickly invade and colonize forest clearings, riverbanks, roadsides, abandoned farmland, or other disturbed areas. Cecropia trees have a hollow trunk and branches, which are divided into a series of chambers by partitions. The tree produces special structures in velvety-brown glandular patches under the leaf stems, providing nourishment for Azteca ants, which defend the leaves. Their leaves are eaten by some animals (e.g. three-toed sloths), and their seeds are eaten by birds, bats, rodents like the agouti, and other animals. One study of cecropia showed 8 species of monkey, 12 species of bat, and 76 different bird species eating its dangling spike-like fruits.

Nepenthes

Pitcher plant vines in the family Nepenthaceae have leaves that form a pitcher, complete with a lid. Sweet or foul-smelling nectar in the pitcher attracts insects, especially ants and flies, that lose their grip on the slick sides and fall into the liquid. Downward-pointing hairs inside the pitcher prevent the insects' escape. Pitcher plants are not epiphytes but climbers rooted in the soil.

Bamboo

Bamboo is the world's largest grass and is native to many parts of the world. It can grow up to 120 feet high and have stems 12 inches in diameter. One Bamboo plant was recorded growing at a rate of 36 inches in 24 hours. It is grown throughout the tropics and is used as a source of food as well as for construction and weaving. It has great strength and is used in Japan as scaffolding for building skyscrapers.

Rafflesia

Rafflesia is a parasite that has the world's largest flower. It's over 3 feet across and can hold several gallons of water. When it opens, the rafflesia makes a hissing sound like a cobra. It also has the strong odor and color of rotting meat, which attracts flies that pollinate it.

Giant water lily

The giant water lily (Victoria Amazonia) has leaves that can grow over 5 feet across. It is actually strong enough for a kid to stand on … although your feet will still get wet.

Monkey ladders

Monkey ladders are these very cool vines that grow in a zig-zag fashion and look like ladders. They're filled with pure water, so travelers only need their machete to get a quick drink if they want one. When it comes to having everything, the rain forest doesn't "monkey around."

Walking palm

The walking palm (Socratea Exouhiza) is one of those things that's simply hard to believe. Here's a tree that forms stilt-like roots and, over a period of time, picks itself up on them "walking" out from under fallen trees or toward light. This is the only plant that plants itself … wherever it wants to!

Heliconia

The heliconia is a gorgeous red hanging flower that is pollinated only by the tropical hummingbird. The hummingbird's predator, the eyelash snake, knows this and often curls up and waits inside the flower. So don't stick your fingers in one without looking first.

Acrum Lily

Curious observers have been known to faint from the overpowering stench of the giant acrum lily. It's pollinated by carrion flies. You won't have to follow my nose to find this one!