Plants of the Tropical Rainforest

Costa Rica is considered as one of the most bio-diverse countries in the world. No wonder, its greatest treasure is the diversity among flora and fauna. A wide range of plants, for example can be found here which accent its tropical rainforests. As for other rainforests, it is divided into five different layers (starting from the lowest level):  the forest floor composed of fallen branches and leaves; the shrub layer which serves as a home for small trees; the understory layer consists of vines and shrubs; the canopy layer primarily comprises of leaves and branches that cover the other layers; and the emergent layer where you can see the tallest trees. 

EPIPHYTES

Also known as air plants, is distinct because of their rooting behavior, by rooting from some other plants. Take note: They are not dependent on their attachment for nutrition; rather, they photosynthesize and produce their own food. All out Costa Rica rainforest is covered by these kind of plants. Families of Epiphytes include orchids, ferns, lichens, and mosses. 

FLOWERS

You might be amazed on how flowering plants and trees ornament Costa Rica. In fact, people all over the world are drawn here just for its flowers. One species of great attraction is the angel’s trumpet tree. This is a pendulous white flower which has bat-like characteristics. It remains dormant during daylight and opens only at night time, exposing its pollen-releasing stamen. 

TREES

There are several species of trees that make up the canopy and emergent layer of Costa Rica’s rainforest. Some are coconut trees, Strangler Figs, and Milk or Cow tree. 

STRUCTURAL ADAPTATIONS

As most people notice, most of the leaves of plants in Costa Rica have pointed tips, and as they call it, the drip tip. This structural adaptation among plants collects moisture and raindrops at the tip and eventually, dripping it to the ground. This mechanism establishes the drainage capability of the leaves which helps avoid accumulation of excess water that can disrupt the process of photosynthesis. Another characteristic is its smooth, wax-like surface which acts as a water repelling surface. This also helps in drying the leaves easily significant for food processing.

The plants also possess adaptations which benefits animals living in the rainforest. For instance, the bromeliads serve as temporary home for insects and frogs in their metamorphic stage.  Its water container inside the leaves caused the body parts modification in frogs that have undergone the tadpole stage.