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About Vines in the Rainforest

When most people think of jungle vines, the image of Tarzan swinging from tree to tree comes to mind. Rainforest liana play several roles, though rarely that of a transportation system. Vines are essential to the ecosystem, performing tasks such as providing food for animals, creating canopies, increasing tree mortality and suppressing tree regeneration. Some common vines even serve as houseplants.
  1. Rattan

    • Rattan, a climbing palm vine, is most common in Asia. It has thorny stems and spiny leaves; it can grow up to more than 600 feet in height and about an inch and a half in diameter. Its shoot serves as survival food when boiled. Rattan is also popular in the home decor market as a material used to make baskets, ropes and water-resistant furniture. This is the reason that commercial farms grow the vine as well.

    Philodendron

    • Known for its attractive leaves, the philodendron long ago made the journey from the wild into civilized homes as an ornamental plant. Besides the leaves, it produces flowers that look like calla lilies. It comes in various shapes, sizes and colors. Like most rainforest vines, the philodendron is hardy.

    Curare

    • Mentioned often in mystery novels written by the likes of Agatha Christie and Dorothy Sayers, curare has become infamous for being the source of the deadly poison strychnine. Indigenous tribes in South America used to make a concoction using the vine's roots and stems. They would dip their arrows in it afterward in preparation for animal hunting. The syrup has a paralyzing effect, which later leads to asphyxiation. Smaller amounts of curare are used medically as a muscle relaxant.

    Water Vine

    • The water vine is a common kind of liana found in many rainforests, but it is more prevalent in Asia and Africa. It bears dark fruits that look like grapes; hence, it is also called the "five-leaved grape vine." It can be up to 1 foot in diameter. When cut in two places, it can supply a potable juice often used as an herbal remedy for epilepsy, stroke and diabetes by natives. Like philodendrons, water vines also commonly serve as house or garden plants.


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