Compare that with a temperate forest where only 5-6 species may be found. Average temperatures are greater than 73 degrees fahrenheit. The forest canopy forms 3 levels here. At 100 ft. or more, are the emergent tree species including the tabonuco. Then there is the motillo tree, Sloanea berteriana, a tree with large buttressed roots, a common characteristic in the rainforest.
Buttressed roots provide stability for large trees in the shallow, soggy forest soils.
The motillo can often be identified by its woody 4-sectioned seed capsules on the ground beneath the tree. There is also a similar looking tree with palmately compound leaves, called the weathervane tree, Cercropia peltata. The undersides of the leaves are white and can be seen whenever the wind blows. At the lower level of the canopy there are small trees 10-30 ft tall. Camesay, Miconia prasini , is a common example.