Catalogue of Plants By Tori Jelilyan

NAME AND PICTURESCIENTIFIC

NAME OF PLANT

GROWING LOCATION DEFENCE MECHANISMSKEY/UNIQUE

CHARACTERISTICS ABOUT PLANT

Strangler Fig

Fiscus aurea

Often grow when nestled within the limbs of another tree, to then grow on top of trees (the seeds being distributed by animal droppings).

This tree competes with its host for access to sun exposure, soil, and water in which it can slowly squeeze its host to death.(When first growing, thin roots snake down the trunk, dangle, dig into the ground and around the host tree to then burst in growth, grow thicker roots, and strangle their host tree)Many waxy leaves protect the fig from winds and sunlight which can dry out the tree (as well as provide a larger covering to expose themselves to more sunlight for more photosynthesis to occur), highly exposed in the canopy.

Strangler figs are tall canopy trees (holding the ability to grow up to 148 feet in height), and have close to 1,000 different species of Figs (found in major rainforests, tropical continents, and islands around the globe). The roots systems of this tree can spread out over a distance of about 30 feet, and the tree contains flower structures in a hollow cyconia that share symbiotic relationships with wasps for pollination.Key characteristic: the ‘strangling’ technique used to ensure vitality

Orchid

Orchidaceae

Best growing conditions at the beginning of the rainy season, as that is when many of their blooming cycles are triggered. Orchids grow abundantly in cloud forests (3300-6600 feet) and in the canopy.Cracks, grooves, and pockets serve as collectors for organic debris and therefore sustenance for initial growth. Wood, animal waste, and fallen leaves also provide moisture and other minerals and therefore pose as beneficial growing locations.

Roots with large surface area allow for rapid absorption of nutrients and water, with the presence of secondary stems to hold the water to allow the plant to withstand periods of drying (defending against drought).Conservation of water (like thick stems that store water, leaf hairs that close stoma in dry conditions, etc.) and nutrient collecting mechanisms (like collecting the rain fall and other fallen debris) are required to overcome and defend against harsh canopy conditions.

Costa Rica has over 1300 species of orchids, it is their national flower.Each type of orchid has a special fungus, essential to its lifecycle and seed growth.The production of tiny seeds in orchids allows for the species to greatly disperse themselves over great areas via wind currents to ensure success. Insects are also used to pollinate and spread the species: releasing strong odours, small “dancing” flowers which can attract aggressive bees in thinking that they are intruders, etc.

Pitcher plant

Sarracenia

Found growing in the rainforest canopy, these plants prefer strong sun and a moist environment. The soils which they grow in are commonly more acidic and nutrient-poor.

Specific scents are released to attract certain types of insects or flies, or even to ward off night time moths in defense, and colour patterns are used to guide insects into the plant (including the possibility of deep burgundy petals which look like raw meat—to attract flies). Sugary, high-energy food is provided just under the mouth rim to attract in the plant’s food.Waxy leaves provide a slippery surface to increase chances of nourishment.Once its source of food falls into the plant, its inner walls are wet and sticky to prevent the insects, etc. from crawling back out. Downward facing hairs also support this process.Once inside, a mixture of chemicals helps digest the insects.

Growing up to 30 feet tall, and containing pitches up to 12 inches long, this allows the plants to digest insects, small mammals, and reptiles (that attempt to steal the insects from the plant).Key characteristic: this is a carnivorous plant with a specialized system that provides adequate trapping techniques to properly nourish the plant.

Teak tree

Tectona grandis

Found in a variety of growing locations (habitats, climate conditions—including rainfall levels), Teak trees prefer loamy soil that is rich in humus and with the correct moisture content.

Teak tree leaves are shed in drier months of the year (this is in response to the lack of water levels).Its sap has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties (making it resistant to parasites and disease) and therefore acting as a defense mechanism for the plant. These trees also contain rubber and silica which repel water (useful when the tree requires a dry environment to grow in).

Large, deciduous, and dominant in mixed hardwood forests, these trees contain small, fragrant, white flowers.This wood is greatly used for manufacturing by humans as it contains natural oils which make the timber resistant from pests and termites. The rubber and silica also present in the wood allow it to better withstand high pressures, as well as have dense fibres that make it easy to cut and graft.Teak trees also hold medicinal value as the bark is bitter tonic (used in fever, headache, stomach problems, and more).

Calabash

Crescentia cujete

The calabash tree grows in full sun and in well drained soils. The tree has some tolerance for salt, but none for frost.

Hard shells around the fruit act as protection. The seeds are found inside of the pulp, to be digested and egested by organisms (ex. Horses) to allow the seeds to then germinate.

Growing 6 to 12 meters tall, producing spherical fruits (up to 25 cm in diameter) with hard shells (which can be used as bowls, cups, etc. when hollowed out). Branches are long and spread out horizontally. Pulp inside has medical applications, for example it is used for respiratory problems (asthma), and also to induce labour.Flowers have a long style and arching stamens, and bloom at night (as the fruits are pollinated by bats).

Air plants

Tillandsia

Found in temperate zones and in the tropics, these plants grow upon other plants (ex. Tree) or other objects, non-parasitically (therefore no harm to the host occurs). The plant obtains moisture and nutrients from the air and in run off from other plants and trees. They do not root in soil. Most air plants prefer warm and humid environments with lots of indirect sunlight.

Specialized structures may be used to collect and/or hold moisture (ex. Cups, scales), as well as thin roots for support (anchoring). ‘Pups’ are produced after flowers grow which are miniature air plants that grow out of their side. These can be detached, and this is how they reproduce, to increase the chances and levels of vitality of the species.Plants that get too much light will sunburn as a defense, developing brown patches.

Most grow to be 6 inches tall, but some can reach 2 feet. There are many different families of air plants including orchids, mosses, ferns, and more.

Resurrection fern

Pleopeltis polypodioides

Moist soil and air, as well as protection from cold temperatures are all key factors in their growing location. The right balance of filtered light and shade is also very important.Resurrection ferns often live on branches of large trees and are frequently accompanied by other plants.Cloud forests in Costa Rica are ideal for this plant.

Ferns turn brown when there is low rainfall, but they are not dead. Instead, they temporarily shut down until moisture in the air and soil increases, and they come back to life.

Small, creeping fern with a long stem and 4-12 inch frond leaves. Spores are used in reproduction (therefore not reproducing by fruits or seeds).Key characteristic: the ability to ‘resurrect’ from a period of low rainfall/water levels.

Angel’s Trumpet tree

Brugmansia

Damp conditions (including warm days and cool nights) are ideal for this plant.Acidic soil is preferred, and it cannot tolerate salt or droughts very well.

These plants are extremely toxic and poisonous when ingested by both humans and animals (this occurrence may be fatal). Contact with eyes can cause mydriasis (pupil dilation) or anisocoria (unequal pupil size).

Red, white, pink, orange, or red flowers are trumpet-shaped (can grow up to 20 inches long) and can flower year-round (only in warmer climates).

Coconut

Cocos nucifera

Found in both tropical and subtropical regions, these plants are usually at sea level, but very adaptive to a wide range of types of soils (as long as there is no waterlogging).Overall, warm and humid environments are preferred as well as evenly distributed rainfall.

The fruit is a fibrous drupe with an exocarp and shell for protection.The structure of the coconut also allows for it to float on water to later disseminate the seed.This plant holds the abilities to self-prune, coppice, and regenerate rapidly (in favourable conditions) to ensure survival.

Explorers calling it “coco” because of the three indentations (eyes) on the hairy nut resembling the head of a monkey. Coconut is very nutritious; full of fibre, vitamins, and minerals, plus containing the coconut oil which contains healing properties.Coconuts are used immensely in medicine.

Sensitive plant

Mimosa pudica

The sensitive plant prefers warm environments but out of direct sunlight (as this can trigger thermotropism).

Thigmotropism and thermotropism can occur at the touch or change-of-temperature, inducing movement of the plant: the speed of the response depending on the magnitude of the stimulus.The mechanical/heat stimuli induces electrical signals to be sent throughout the plant to cause the leaves to fold from the release of water (pressure), causing the plant to droop.These actions reveal spiky thorns to predators which may have triggered this response.

Spiny plant growing to about 1 foot in height, with fern-like leaves and flower puffs. Considered a weed in tropical regionsKey characteristic: the ability to fold due to external stimuli; movement from a change and/or release of turgor/water pressure within the plant

Works Cited:-An overview of the Brugmansia Family. (n.d.). International Brugmansia and Datura Society, or iBrugs for short!. Retrieved June 28, 2011, from http://www.ibrugs.com/Plants/BrugmansiaFamilyOverview.aspx -BBC. (n.d.). BBC - h2g2 - Air Plants - A12339191. BBC - Homepage. Retrieved June 28, 2011, from http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/h2g2/alabaster/A12339191 -CRESCENTIA CUJETE - CALABASH TREE.. (n.d.). Tropilab Inc. exporter and wholesaler of medicinal plants and products, herbs, seeds and cut flowers. . Retrieved June 28, 2011, from http://www.tropilab.com/calabashtree.html -Chan, E., & Elevitch, C. (n.d.). Species Profiles for Pacific Island Agroforestry. Agroforestry. Retrieved June 28, 2011, from www.agroforestry.net/tti/Cocos-coconut.pdf -Coconut Research Center Home Page. (n.d.). Coconut Research Center Home Page. Retrieved June 28, 2011, from http://www.coconutresearchcenter.org/ -General Information About Teak - AmegaWood.com. (n.d.). Teak furniture accessories, teak candle holders, teak patio furniture, teak benches. Retrieved June 28, 2011, from http://www.amegawood.com/teak_general.php -MAIL/FAX. (n.d.). Sarracenia, Carnivorous Plants Online - Botanical Society of America. Botanical Society of America, leading scientists and educators since 1893. Retrieved June 28, 2011, from http://www.botany.org/Carnivorous_Plants/Sarracenia.php -Maricarmen, G. (n.d.). template.html. Colegio F.D. Roosevelt (The American School of Lima). Retrieved June 28, 2011, from http://www.amersol.edu.pe/ms/7th/7block/jungle_research/new_cards/32/card32.html -Mimosa leaf. (n.d.). Plants-In-Motion Home. Retrieved June 28, 2011, from http://plantsinmotion.bio.indiana.edu/plantmotion/movements/nastic/mimosa/mimosa.html -Orchids - Epiphytes in the Rainforest Canopy. (n.d.). mongabay.com. Retrieved June 28, 2011, from http://www.mongabay.com/04_orchids_rainforest.htm -Pitcher Plants: Insect-Eating Marvels and Jungle Art of the Tropical Rainforest . (n.d.). Nature Escapes - Kuala Lumpur: The Ultimate Guide To Nature Travel in Malaysia. Retrieved June 28, 2011, from http://www.nature-escapes-kuala-lumpur.com/pitcher-plants.html -Resurrection fern. (n.d.). The School of Forest Resources and Conservation. Retrieved June 28, 2011, from http://www.sfrc.ufl.edu/4h/Resurrection_fern/resufern.htm -Strangler Figs - Ficus ssp.. (n.d.). Blue Planet Biomes. Retrieved June 28, 2011, from http://www.blueplanetbiomes.org/strangler_figs.htm -Teak, Characteristics of Teak, Teak production in India : Eco Inida . (n.d.). ECO India Tours and Travel - Ecotourism in India Travel Tours India. Retrieved June 28, 2011, from http://www.ecoindia.com/flora/trees/teak-tree.html -The Plants of the Rainforest. (n.d.). Welcome to Space Radiation Lab, Caltech. Retrieved June 28, 2011, from http://www.srl.caltech.edu/personnel/krubal/rainforest/Edit560s6/www/plants/carniverous.html -Calabash tree (tree) -- Britannica Online Encyclopedia. (n.d.). Encyclopedia - Britannica Online Encyclopedia. Retrieved June 28, 2011, from http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/88688/calabash-tree