Tropical Region Trees

Trees that are native to the tropical regions of the world are called tropical trees. The tropical region, or the tropics as it is often called, is the region between the Tropic of Cancer on the northern side of the equator and the Tropic of Capricorn on the southern side of the equator. The tropics include all the regions of the world where the sun reaches a point in the sky that is directly overhead at least once in the period of a year.

Tropical trees include a very wide variety of tree species. The tropical regions of the world encompass rainforests, dry deciduous forests, spiny forests, deserts as well as a number of other natural habitats. As you can imagine, there are large number of different types of trees that fall under the classification of tropical trees.

The diversity among tropical trees is staggering, which is evident in the fact that all the following ecosystems fall in the tropical regions:

• The Costa Rican Rainforest
• The Nicaraguan Rainforest
• The Brazilian Amazon Rainforest
• The Venezuela Amazon Rainforest
• The Madagascar Dry Deciduous Forest
• Eastern Madagascar Rainforest
• South African Waterberg Biosphere

All tropical plants live in the similar temperature zones and are yet extremely diverse in their structure and function. While some trees lead their lives in the upper regions of the forest and form the canopy over the region, many other trees are structured to lead their lives are the understory. The trees that form the understudy typically have large leaves that are very useful in capturing the scant sunlight and dripping water. They also typically have brightly colored flowers that attract birds and insects even in the dimly lit conditions of the understory. Also they are equipped with very sturdy roots which are highly accustomed to extremely nutrient-rich soil.

The vivid flowers of the tropical trees are one of the main reasons that they are used as ornamental trees in landscaping. Like the diverse species of animals in most rainforests, the flowers of the tropical rainforests are also extremely elaborate and diverse. These flowers may also be very fragrant, increasing their appeal as ornamental trees.

One of the most common tropical trees is the palm tree. In fact, on mentioning the phrase, the tropics’ most people envisage swaying palm trees and sun drenched beaches. Palm trees are very commonly used as ornamental trees in homes, hotels, commercial complexes, parks, etc. They are very easy to maintain and can grow in areas that are hot and arid. They also require minimal water and can survive through long spells of dryness. Little wonder then, that the Las Vegas landscape is dotted with palm trees.

The close cousins of palm trees are coconut trees, which are also amongst the most popular tropical trees in the world. It is a fact that every part of the coconut tree, from the roots to the leaves can be put to use. And, no forgetting the cool, refreshing drink of fresh coconut water.