They climb the tree in the canopy to reach for sunlight. Epiphytes, commonly known as air plants, grow on the trees of the canopy. These include orchids, mosses, and lichens. These plants use the trees for support only. They get their nutrients from the sun, or from rainfall and plant debris collected in their leaves.
Many epiphytes produce beautiful, brightly colored flowers.
Orchids are one variety of epiphyte commonly adapted to home growth. A pineapple is a type of epiphyte called a bromeliad. Below the canopy we find the understory . This level is comprised of vines, smaller trees, ferns and palms. These plants have adapted to poor soil with few nutrients and little sunlight.