Drip tips Leaves are shaped to help as much water as possible to fall on the forest floor to allow the roots absorb it. the water needs to fall quickly to prevent it evaporating in the air and in heavy storms stop it overbalancing the tree.
Bright colours Brightly coloured plants scare away predators / herbavores that may want to eat the plant( they consider bright colours a warning) and attract insects to pollenate the plant.
Buttress roots Buttress roots are mainly found on trees that are part of the emergent layer are very large. Two or three times the size of a person they are shallow and wide to access water and nutrients which are mainly found in the top layer of the soil. The wide base makes the tree stronger and more balanced- they have to withstand very strong winds.
Light Fluffy seeds The seeds travel further and easier via air and water. This allows a wide spread of seeds and help stop to many germinating in one place. They also may get caught in animals fur and further spread but cannot be digested by animals as they are too small.
Lianas Lianas are thin and flexible to allow them to take the most direct route to the canopy. They use trees to make their way up to a place where they can photosynthesise most effectively.
Stilt palm They move slowly towards light where they can photosynthesis better. The spaces where they move to become available when older trees fall down leaving a space in the canopy where light reaches the forest floor. They are positively phototropic and can move up to 1m per year.
Saphrophytes They are very small, about 2 cm in flower and live on the forest floor as it is where their food is. they digest fungi and bacteria. They are able to live for a short period of time underwater (when it floods). Their bright colour prevent predators from eating them and attract insects that are necessary for pollination.
Ephiphytes They are a plant that grows above ground surface to reach more light and better water resources. They have a very strong thick root system that allows them to grow on anything. they can penetrate a trees bark and "steal" nutrients and minerals from it. they can also access rain and water from the humid air.