Some plants even live on others. These are the epiphytes , plants that do not come into contact with the earth, but also are not parasites. Mosses, lichens and ferns cover just about anything else. Sorrel is also a common ground cover. But because of this dense ground cover it is hard for seedlings to get a start.
Many seedlings germinate on fallen, decaying trees.
As they grow they send their roots down the log to the ground. Eventually the log rots completely away and a row of young trees is left, up on stilt-like roots, all in a row. The thick and protective vegetation also provides excellent habitats for the animals of the rain forest. In turn, they contribute to the health of the forest by keeping the rampant vegetation under control by browsing. Superlatives about the trees abound, for several specimens reach record sizes.