Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
Figure 3.3 This chicle tree (
Manilkara chicle
) was used in the production of chicle.
Gashes are made into the tree to release the sticky sap.
(Photo by author.)
found in the tree layers, such as the palm, legume, and coffee families, as well as
those more restricted to the lower layers, such as the melastome (Melastomaceae),
composite (Asteraceae), and pepper tree (Piperaceae) families. Heliconias, anthu-
riums, terrestrial bromeliads, and ferns are also found in the understory. Treefalls
can open gaps, providing intense light to limited areas and allowing understory
species that can take advantage of this sudden light to flourish temporarily. Seed-
lings and saplings of canopy trees can grow quickly in these gaps.
Flowers and Fruits
A visit to the Neotropical rainforest any time of year will yield a bright display of
flowers and fruits. Flowers of tropical trees are colorful, fragrant, and often large.
Due to the consistent day length and abundant rainfall, there is no one season of
flowering. Tropical flowers come in an array of colors, sizes, shapes, and fragran-
ces adapted to attract appropriate pollinators (see Plate V). Red, orange, and
