Climatron tour continued - Page 3 of 4Maranta Walk
As you pass the next bench and approach the north door, look to the right of the path to see a variety of prayer plants, or marantas. These broad-leaved monocots are important understory plants, as are the associated piper plants and gingers. The marantas are called prayer plants because of the sleep movements of the plant's leaves, which can resemble hands folded in prayer. Forest bridge
Stop for a moment on the forest bridge to enjoy the view of the great waterfall and epiphyte forest. Get a preview from above of the Amazonian aquarium described on the next page. Epiphyte forest Epiphytes are plants that grow perched on other plants. Their roots cling to support plants and trap organic matter and water. Orchids, bromeliads, and ferns are just some of the epiphytes in the Climatron. There are also epiphytic cacti, a rare epiphytic cycad, and many epiphytes from other families. Arbor After crossing the bridge, you will find yourself under an arbor, perhaps brushing the long roots of one of the overhead plants. To your left notice the gnarled stem of the gnetum vine. Gnetum is not a flowering plant but a gymnosperm, bearing exposed seeds in cones. It is also a tropical woody climber, or liana, which is important in rainforest ecosystems. Lianas form links between large trees, creating pathways through the forest. Central American Ridge
The path continues downhill, the steep rocks of the Central American Ridge rising on either side. To your left is a Panama-hat plant, which looks palm-like but is not a palm. In Ecuador, the leaves are woven into the famous Panama hats, which are then shipped from Ecuador to Panama and elsewhere. Here along the path there are also several large anthuriums, members of the aroid family.
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