The Emergent Layer

Emergents the tallest trees in the rainforest, grows as high as 200 feet (60 m) above the forest floor with trunks that measure up to 16 feet (5 m) around. These huge trunks are usually supported by buttress roots to protect against the high winds. Most of these trees are broad-leaved, hardwood evergreens. They are exposed to greater fluctuations of temperature, wind and rainfall than are their smaller companions. To hold water, leaves often have thick, waxy layers. Emergents may take advantage of the greater air movement above the canopy by developing winged seeds or fruits that are dispersed by wind to other parts of the forest. Sunlight is plentiful and animals such as eagles, monkeys, butterflies, insect-eating bats and snakes inhabit this layer, some never venturing below it.

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