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Nearly every bit of space is taken
up with a living plant. Some plants even live on others. These are the
epiphytes, plants that do not come into contact with the earth, but also
are not parasites. They are partly responsible for giving the rain forest
its "jungly" appearance. Mosses, lichens and ferns cover just about
anything else. Oregon oxalis is also a common ground cover. But because of
this dense ground cover it is hard for seedlings to get a start. Many
seedlings germinate on fallen, decaying trees. As they grow they send
their roots down the log to the ground. Eventually the log rots completely
away and a row of young trees is left, up on stilt-like roots, all in a
row. The thick and protective vegetation also provides excellent habitats
for the animals of the rain forest. In turn, they contribute to the health
of the forest by keeping the rampant vegetation under control by
browsing. |
