Brauilo Carrillo National Park–Central Tropical Rainforests

Braulio Carrillo National Park, Costa Rica.
Braulio Carrillo National Park, Costa Rica.

Most common species: Orchids (114 species), aroids and ferns

An orchid, probably a Oncidium stenotis, grows on the side of a tree along the trail.
An orchid, probably a Oncidium stenotis, grows on the side of a tree along the trail.
A fern grows on a tree along the trail.
A fern grows on a tree along the trail.
DSC_0314
An aroid (Anthurium Flamingo Flower) grows on a tree along the trail.

Functions in this climate: The humidity and precipitation in this climate, even in the dry season, allows for the epiphytes to easily collect water, both for themselves and the plants they are growing on.

Specializations in this climate: The amount of orchids in this climate allow for easier pollination by animals, rather than wind pollination through the thick forest. The mosses and ferns are also especially important to water collection.

Impacts on environment around them: In the rain forest, epiphytes are everywhere. This means that they are a constant source of directing water to “host” plants, which allows the tree to grow and thrive in the habitat. This creates a thriving ecosystem for plants and animals alike.

Future in this climate: Brauilo Carillo National Park encompasses many climates ranging from lowlands to highlands, all if which is a form of rain forest (botany.si.edu). Because of this, the effects of global warming might not be as detrimental as the collection of climates will allow for easier adaptations to changing temperatures and precipitation.

An example from the Las Palmas trail, mosses and vine epiphytes growing on the same tree.
An example from the Las Palmas trail, mosses and vine epiphytes growing on the same tree.

 

References

http://botany.si.edu/projects/cpd/ma/ma16.htm

Costa Rica Orchids

Posted on April 25, 2016 by . This entry was posted in Climatic Zone Analyses. Bookmark the permalink.

Comments are closed.