Plants of the Rainforest

1. By: Bobby Pirotta Plants of the Rainforest

2. In this presentation we will be learning about common plants of the rainforests! We will learn why they are important and how they survive in the habitat.

3. Strangler Figs Why Is It Important? -Found in every major rainforest -Provides fruit for hundreds of animals (Monkeys, Parrots, ect.) -Bear fruit many times a year -In some rainforests, animals rely on figs for the majority of their diet What Does It Look Like? -They are tall trees, which can grow up to almost 150 feet -Known for the roots that snake up and down the tree trunk How Does It Survive? -The trees grow fast -Sunlight, rain, and rotten leaves provide nutrients to the fig buds

4. Bengal Bamboo Why Is It Important? -It absorbs large amounts of water to prevent flooding -It prevents erosion in the soil -It shelters many rainforest animals -Can be a food source for some animals What does it look like? -Can grow up to 80 feet -Dark green stalk with light green leaves -It is actually a form of grass, not a tree or a plant How Does It Survive?-Bengal Bamboo is only found in rainforests along the equator because of its need for temperatures between 40 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit -Uses rainfall and sunlight for energy and growth

5. Mangroves Why Is It Important? -Protect rainforests that have a coastline (grows in water) -Prevent erosion -Collect sediments from rivers, oceans, and rainfall and slow down the flow of water to the rainforest -Their blossoms provide food for some animals (such as bats and monkeys) What Does It Look Like? -They have aerial roots -Their roots grow in different directions -Often grow in several acres How Does It Survive? -It’s breathing roots allow it to survive in salt water -It’s roots also filter out salt water -After a while, Mangroves shed their leaves, getting rid of salt accumulation -Eventually, Mangroves die due to the salt water exposure and lack of sunlight WATCH: Video of what a mangrove forest looks like!

6. Bougainvillea Why Is It Important -Very abundant in the rainforest -Absorbs some water and provides shelter for smaller animals What Does It Look Like? -Green with some bright red or purple flowers -Grows in large patches How Does It Survive? -Grows in a warm, green climate, avoiding swampy areas -Thorns protect it

7. Resources! The facts in this presentation were found here!