Our surroundings are sometimes taken for granted. Even something as unique as the rainforest is overlooked. Rainforests cover less than two percent of the Earth’s entire surface area but they are home to 50 percent of the planet’s plants and animals. Rainforests are also found on every continent, except Antarctica. Out of 40,000 plant species, here are some amazing rainforest plants:
1. Banana
You’re probably thinking “I know all there is to know about bananas.” Well, there is more to bananas than eating them. Even though they grow on trees, bananas are not trees or fruit, but giant herbs. After a year, they reach their full height of anywhere between 10 and 20 feet. The blossoms eventually bloom into a fruit, where they then ripen and are harvested. Banana stems can weigh nearly 100 pounds and are about 93 percent water.
Habitation: Found in Central America, South America, Africa, Southeast Asia and non-tropical regions like the United States thanks to modern agricultural technologies.
2. Orchid
Known for their beauty, orchids are the largest family of plants in the world. The species varies greatly in weight and size with some petals getting as long as 30 inches, and flowers growing up to 14 feet long. They also come in almost every colour. They grow on rocks, in the soil, underground and on other plants and trees, all while relying on certain insects or birds for pollination.
Habitation: Extremely adaptable and grows in most climates with the majority being found in Central America, South America and in countries along the Andes Mountains.
3. Coffee
How would you feel about not having that cup of coffee in the morning? Well you can thank the coffee plant of the rainforest for your jolt of caffeine every day. It can grow as tall as 30 feet, but is considered a bush or shrub. They grow in bunches, similar to grapes, but each berry contains two coffee beans inside. It takes an amazing six to eight years for the plant to be in full production and coffee plants can live up to 100 years old.
Habitation: Prefers high altitudes for shade with a wet and dry season. Originated in Ethiopia and Sudan and now more than two-thirds grow in Latin America.
