TROPICAL RAINFORESTS: The Canopy
Notable Canopy Tree Adaptations
- Bark: Thin, often smooth bark, since trees do not have to deal with cold weather. The smooth bark reduces root holds for epiphytes and allows rapid water run off.
- Root Systems: Shallow since rainforest nutrients exist in only the upper few inches of soil.
- Leaves: Lower level leaves are equipped with drip tips to facilitate water run off and prevent epiphytes from gaining hold.
- Cauliflourous fruits: production of fruits and flowers
directly from tree trunks.
Continued: Rainforest Overstory
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