Why Lianas Need Sunlight?

Lianas can form bridges amidst the forest canopy, providing arboreal animals with paths across the forest. These bridges can protect weaker trees from strong winds. Lianas compete with forest trees for sunlight, water and nutrients from the soil.

How do lianas compete for sunlight?

Woody vines known as lianas have a unique method of survival in tropical rainforests: They climb up the trunks of trees to reach the sunlight that only the forest canopy gets. Then, they spread their leaves out to soak up the sun for themselves – often blocking the trees they climbed.

How do lianas grow?

They begin life on the forest floor but depend on trees for support as they climb upwards towards the sunlight they need for survival. They do this by attaching themselves to trees with sucker roots or tendrils and growing with the young sapling, or they climb by winding themselves round the tree's trunk.