The world population is very dependent on the plant life that is found in rainforests. Obviously trees and the wood they produce are a major plant life in both tropical and temperate rainforests. But rainforests are also home to spices, flowers, and beans that are found in every day life.

Temperate Rainforests

The temperate rainforests of the Pacific Northwest are home to some of the world’s most magnificent trees. The most notable of these trees is the redwood. The redwoods are found from central California to southern Oregon. Redwoods grow to 300 feet in height and can live for 2000 years. This rainforest area is the only place in the world where redwoods can live.

Also found in the temperate rainforests are western hemlocks and sitka spruce trees, both which grow to well over 100 feet. The red alder is the most important source of hardwood of the Northwest and thrives in the acidic soil on lower mountain slopes.

Tropical Rainforests

Plant life in tropical rainforests is very diverse, and the plant life is so beautiful that some of the plant species are actually poached. There has been a problem with orchid smuggling. There are actually over 25,000 breeds of orchids, many of them endangered. Poachers are taking wild orchids from their natural habitats to sell on the open market, diminishing the number of orchids left in the rainforests.

Some of the world’s favorite foods come from plants in the tropical rainforests. Rainforests are the growing grounds for bananas, coconuts, brazil nuts, pineapples and other bromeliads, and perhaps most important to those who love chocolate, cocoa beans. Many spices are found in the rainforests, as well. They include cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and nutmeg.

Tropical rainforests are where rubber plants are found. Rubber tree plants are the source of actual rubber (not synthetic) used in products. The rubber is made from a sticky substance called latex that comes directly from the plant.

Other familiar plants that are found in tropical rainforests include bamboo, found in the Asian rainforests, palm trees, and ferns. Familiar flower breeds include periwinkle, which can be used to help cure various cancers, and hibiscus, which is food for dozens of hummingbird species living in the rainforests.