Exploring the Rainforest

The word "epiphyte" is taken from the Greek words meaning "upon plants," the luxuriant verdancy commonly associated with rainforests depends upon these hangers on. Although they may be found in temperate and drier tropical forests as well, the combination of rain and warmth unique to the rainforest help them flourish here. Treetop life has many advantages. Birds and bats arrive to pollinate and deposit nutrientrich dung, and it is more likely that their seeds will be dispersed by the wind. Water may be harder to come by and evaporation is a problem, so many bromeliads have evolved tanks to hold up to two gallons (eight liters) of water as well as other adaptations. Don't make the mistake of thinking that these plants are parasitic. Although they are perhaps unwelcome guests, most do not feed on their hosts. Generally, they arrive in the form of tiny dustlike seeds.These establish themselves on moss or lichen which serves as a starter.

There is an Android version and an iTunes version.

St. John Visitors:

Please check out Explore St. John, our new travel app to St. John, which supplies comprehensive information (useful for residents and visitors alike) along with pictures, maps and links to hundreds of videos and relevant websites.

iPhone/iPad/iPodTouch version

Android version

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