Producers of the Rain Forest (continued)

Many of the larger trees have a system of roots called buttress roots. These roots are mostly above ground. They help anchor the trees and keep them upright during fierce rainstorms.

One plant that lives in all layers of the rain forest is a woody vine called the liana. These large climbing vines can be up to 61 cm (2 ft) wide. Lianas grow from the forest floor and then "hitch-hike" on a full-grown tree to reach the sunlight of the canopy layer. They use hooklike parts to hold onto their host tree. Once they reach the canopy, the vines weave a thick, tangled web.