What does the understory do?

What does the understory do?

The understory is the underlying layer of vegetation in a forest or wooded area, especially the trees and shrubs growing between the forest canopy and the forest floor. Plants in the understory comprise an assortment of seedlings and saplings of canopy trees together with specialist understory shrubs and herbs.

What plants live in the understory layer?

The understory layer is a tangle of shrubs, young trees, saplings, palms and vines.

Why do few plants grow in the understory?

Their branches and leaves block much of the sun's light from reaching the understory below. So plants that grow there need to be able to survive in the shade, with less sunlight. In those low-light conditions, plants in the understory may be stunted and short. Saplings can also be found in the understory.

What is the layer above the understory called *?

canopy

What grows in the jungle?

Some familiar Central American rain forest trees include kapok, Brazil nut, Cecropia, annatto, chewing gum tree (also called chicle), abiu, mountain soursop, ilama, Astrocaryum jauari palm and the rubber tree.

How fast do heliconias grow?

3-4m per year

Do heliconias die off?

It is best not to disturb the rhizomes while they are growing, as the roots and new shoots that develop at the base of the rhizome are fragile. It is normal for the old stem to wither and die, and a new shoot will emerge from the base of the rhizome. Some rhizomes will shoot within days, others can take several months.

What does Heliconia look like?

Leaves are glossy green, oval and paddle shaped. They grow in an upright habit with the flower stems in the center. Flower bracts are arranged in terminal racemes, which may be held erect or pendulant. Heliconia lobster claw may be found in red, orange or yellow, usually tipped with a bright gold splash.