Tropical rain forest

Daily rain, high temperature, and deep but infertile soils.

Constant warmth and ample rainfall (at least 200 centimeters/year) allow trees to grow year-round.   Shallow-rooted trees are supported by wing-like buttresses and form a canopy at about 45 meters.

Few plants grow on the shady, infertile forest floor.   Instead, woody vines, which may extend as much as 250 meters from where they root, link trees and give support during high winds.  Epiphytes, plants not anchored in soil, grow abundantly on brancher high in trees.

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