trunks and leaves (plate 3- 34). Be especially careful
not to grab a palm sapling, as the spines can introduce
bacteria as they create a wound.
Vines, Climbers, Stranglers,
Epiphytes
While trees dominate tropical moist forests, there are
numerous other plant growth forms that add a great
deal to the biodiversity and structural complexity of
the ecosystem. Vines abound in many tropical forests,
as do air plants or epiphytes.
Vines and Lianas
Vines occur in many plant families and exhibit a variety
of growth forms. They are a conspicuous and important
component of most tropical rain forests, though vine
density is variable from site to site (plate 3- 35). Of course,
vines of many species also occur in forests throughout
much of the temperate zone, but their more prodigious
representation in tropical forests is noteworthy. Because
of their abundance, vines form a distinct and important
structural feature within tropical rain forests. They
exhibit high biomass in some rain forests, and compete
with trees for light, water, and nutrients. Many provide
essential foods for various animals. Woody vines,
called lianas, entwine elaborately as they hang from
tree crowns, actually interconnecting trees. Others,
the bole climbers, attach tightly to the tree trunk and
ascend. Tropical vines occur abundantly in disturbed
sunlit areas as well as in forest interiors and occur at
varying densities on virtually all soil types. Humans
make extensive use of vine plants for foods, medicines,
hallucinogens, poisons, and construction materials.Plate 3- 35. Extensive vine growth draping throughout vegetation in an Ecuadorian rain forest. Vines are particularly evident in
areas rich in light, such as the large gap shown here. Photo by John Kricher.
50 chapter 3 rain forest: the realm of the plants