Richard H. Simons Rainforest

Rainforests

What is a Tropical Rainforest?

First, as the name indicates, tropical rainforests are found in the tropics located between the Tropic of Capricorn and the Tropic of Cancer, between the latitudes of 23.5° N and 23.5° S. Second, a tropical rainforest is rainy and wet, receiving at least 100 inches of rain each year. Other types of tropical forests experience one or two distinct dry seasons. So, a simple definition for tropical rainforest is: a forest in the tropics which receives rain throughout the year.

Within this definition, however, exists considerable variation. The rainforest's location in the world, the species it contains, the amount of rainfall it receives, soil conditions, elevation and associated temperature ranges are some of the things that influence the appearance of a rainforest. One of the defining characteristics of a rainforest is the tremendous diversity of life that exists within the forest. In fact, most of the world's plants and animals live in rainforests.

The diversity of life is displayed in an almost dizzying array of sizes, forms and colors. Nevertheless, certain characteristics appear in rainforests around the world. Some of the big trees in a rainforest have buttressed trunks, that is the trunk widens at the base with thin vertical plank-like structures. In architecture, buttresses are used to provide sturdy support with a minimum of materials. Woody vines, or lianas, which look like huge cables, grow to diameters of a foot or more. The stems of these vines loop through the rainforest understory and rise to spread their leaves high up on the top of the canopy where light is abundant. Epiphytes grow on tree trunks and branches high above the ground, where the light is brighter. Some epiphytes, like ferns and anthurium, survive in the dark understory while others, like certain orchids, grow high in the rainforest canopy where the sunlight is brightest. Large-leafed understory plants, like heliconias and palms, are found in the rainforest understory and in forest openings.  A tropical rainforest is rich, luxuriant and fascinating. It is a place of earthy, humid smells, a surprisingly wide array of sounds and calls, flashes of color and subtle camouflage. The tastes of tropical cuisines and unusual fruits can be very exciting. If you are willing to explore, the rainforest will engage all of your senses in ways that may be very basic or quite sophisticated.

What is Fairchild's Tropical Rainforest?
The Fairchild rainforest is a two-acre, outdoor exhibit of tropical rainforest plants from around the world, especially plants of the American tropics. The adjacent conservatory contains rainforest plants that will not survive outdoors in subtropical south Florida. Thanks to a grant from Mr. Robert M. Kramer, trustee of the Richard H. Simons Charitable Trust, Fairchild is now able to enhance this exhibit. The outdoor rainforest exhibit and the conservatory have easily accessible paths to rainforest information. Unlike a rainforest in the wild, the pathways are paved and the plants are labeled. In the Fairchild rainforest, visitors enjoy typical lush vegetation, including epiphytes and lianas (woody vines), without worrying about such unpleasantries as stinging ants and malaria. Visitors see how plants adapt to survive, how plants and animals interact and how people benefit from rainforest plants. Most important are the stories which tell the tragedy of rainforest destruction around the world. We believe these rich environments are worth protecting. The Fairchild rainforest exhibit demonstrates why they are important to you.

Today, the Fairchild tropical rainforest is growing and changing. While it contains many interesting plants, we plan to continuously make it much more enjoyable and informative. A stream reminds the visitors that water is a crucial component of the rainforest. Interpretative signage, educational resources and other visitor information are in place.

 

If you would like to contribute to Fairchild's rainforest please call 305/667-1651.