48
GROUND AROUND
THE WORLD
A single country can contain thousands
of different soils. Plants suited to each soil
range from tall trees that look like they have
legs (the walking palm) to squat succulents.
Wetland soils
Peat soils in wetlands
aren’t just home to unique
species of plant. They
store more carbon than
any other soil. If this is
released into the air as a
gas, it traps heat and can
speed up global warming.
Rainforest soils
These are found in
warm regions with plenty
of rainfall. The soil has few
nutrients, but millions of plant
species are found there.
This plant
is often used
to make a
herbal tea.
Carnivorous plants such as
sundews and butterworts
catch flies to eat with
their sticky leaves.
Lobster claw nectar
is a favourite food
of hummingbirds.
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048_049_Ground_around_the_world.indd 48 08/11/2019 15:56