|
There are many plants in the rainforests. There is only one plant that is known world wide that tropical rainforests. Many of you are probably familiar with this world wide plant. Pandas eat this plant which is called bamboo. Bamboo is the world's largest grass and is native to many parts of the world. It is grown throughout the tropics and is used as a source of food as well as for construction and weaving. It has great strength and is used in Japan as scaffolding for building skyscrapers. Phillipine Fig: This plant's unusual leaf formations, giving the appearance of a pompon on a pole, could lead you to mistake it for a palm, hence the name "pseudopalma." Sugar Cane: The stems of this grass plant can reach 10 feet tall and are rich in sugar. The stems are crushed to extract the sweet juice, which is then processed to obtain sugar. Sugar cane is native to New Guinea. It was introduced into the New World by Columbus on his second voyage in 1493. Nutmeg and Mace: Nutmeg and mace come from different parts of the same fruit. Nutmeg is the seed and mace is the red net-like fiber (aril) that surrounds the seed. Nutmeg is native to the Moluccas (Spice Islands). Cassava: Native to Mexico, Guatemala, and northern Brazil, cassava is now grown throughout the tropics. It is the starch staple of over 500 million people. The roots are peeled and boiled (like potatoes) or made into a flatbread. It is in the same family as poinsettia and wild varieties can be toxic if not prepared correctly. Tapioca is made from heated, purified cassava starch and is a common thickening agent. There is, also, Vanilla, Plantain, Cacao, and much, much more. So much, that you could never imagine.
|
|
