The Canopy

The primary layer of the rainforest, the canopy, extends beneath the emergents, rising to 150 feet (45m). Most canopy trees have smooth, oval leaves that come to a point. A possible explanation for this adaptation is that they shed rain quickly, discouraging the growth of lichens and mosses. At these higher elevations, the leaves have developed a highly reflective property that protects them from the higher levels of intense radiation. This almost solid green shield filters out 80% of the light, preventing its transmission to the forest below. T he canopy also stops the rain from reaching the plants below. The rain must run down the trunks of the trees or drip off the leaves.

Photosynthesis is everywhere. Flowers and fruits abound. Many species flower simultaneously, aiding cross-pollination. In some species, flowers are produced on the trunks, making it easier for bat pollinators to find their way to the flowers. Monkeys, sloths, bats, treefrogs, ants, beetles, parrots, hummingbirds and snakes, for example, can be found here, often never intruding into the lower layers in their life. Epiphytes, some 28,000 species worldwide, use every tree surface as a place to live. Hollow trunks of trees and pools of water in bromeliads often are micro-communities within the Canopy.

Thick, woody vines are found in the canopy. These vines, called lianas, sometimes are as big around as a person. They climb the tree in the canopy to reach for sunlight.

Epiphytes are plants that grow piggy back on the trees of the canopy, such as orchids, ferns, mosses, lichens and others. These plants grow in the canopy where light is more plentiful. The epiphyte uses the tree for support, getting water from the rain that falls. Some epiphytes can make their own food from sunlight and air. Many epiphytes produce beautiful, brightly colored flowers that we use as house plants.

Bromeliads are epiphytes from the pineapple family. Orchids are another variety of epiphyte commonly adapted to home growth. There are more than 20,000 varieties of orchid. In tropical rain forests, orchids grow on tree branches, trunks or rocks. Epiphytes are commonly known as air plants.

 
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