Dominant Plant Life and Adaptations
Bougainvillea- This is a dominant plant in the rainforest of Manaus and it does well to adapt to the limiting abiotic factors such as soil and sunlight. It can tolerate semi-shaded areas and it can also tolerate full sun, but when vine-like it tends to climb upward towards the sun. The plant has adapted to be able to reach almost 30 feet in order to receive much needed sunlight.
Coconut Tree- A very dominant tree in the rainforest of Manaus. The coconut tree adapts to the lack of sunlight for lower levels by growing tall, sometimes up to 80 feet, to ensure being among the top of the canopy. This plant thrives in the rainforest's heat and moisture.
Strangler Figs- These fruit are a keystone species because they are so influential to the ecosystem (many animals eat them and thrive off of them). It has an aggressive growth habit that insures its survival in the rainforest. The seedlings grows slowly at first, getting their nutrients from the sun, rain and leaf litter that has collected on the host. The stranglers send out many thin roots that snake down the trunk of the host tree or dangle as aerial roots from its branches. When the roots reach the ground they dig in and put on a growth spurt, competing with the host tree for water and nutrients. They also send out a network of roots that encircle the host tree and fuse together. As the roots grow thicker they squeeze the trunk of its host and cut off its flow of nutrients.
Coconut Tree- A very dominant tree in the rainforest of Manaus. The coconut tree adapts to the lack of sunlight for lower levels by growing tall, sometimes up to 80 feet, to ensure being among the top of the canopy. This plant thrives in the rainforest's heat and moisture.
Strangler Figs- These fruit are a keystone species because they are so influential to the ecosystem (many animals eat them and thrive off of them). It has an aggressive growth habit that insures its survival in the rainforest. The seedlings grows slowly at first, getting their nutrients from the sun, rain and leaf litter that has collected on the host. The stranglers send out many thin roots that snake down the trunk of the host tree or dangle as aerial roots from its branches. When the roots reach the ground they dig in and put on a growth spurt, competing with the host tree for water and nutrients. They also send out a network of roots that encircle the host tree and fuse together. As the roots grow thicker they squeeze the trunk of its host and cut off its flow of nutrients.