Climatron tour continued - Page 4 of 4Agricultural Terraces The pond you see as you leave the Central American Ridge is actually similar to a rice paddy. At least one-half of the world's population relies on rice as the basis for their diet. We exhibit several varieties of rice. Nearby are sugar cane and cassava, a dietary staple in one-fifth of the world. Taller trees behind the rice are American mangroves, an important source of tannin that grows in tidal shores and marshes. Plantation Trail Our daily dependence on plant products of tropical origin is astounding, and this area focuses on such economic plants. Cacao, the base for chocolate, was once used by the Mayans and the Aztecs to make a beverage called "the food of the gods." The chicle tree, known for producing the main ingredient of chewing gum in the past, also bears a delicious fruit. Behind the cacao tree, on the wall, you can see a rattan plant, a vining palm that can grow to 600 feet long. Jaboticaba is one of the most popular fruits in Brazil, much like the apple in America.
 To the right side of the path, the giant bamboo is hard to miss. There are other species of bamboo in the Climatron, but this is certainly the most conspicuous. Also to the right is a vanilla orchid, the seed pods of which produce true vanilla flavoring. Further down Plantation Trail are a coffee tree and many banana "trees". Bananas are not actually trees with woody stems, but the world's largest herbaceous plants! Screw pine
The screw pine, or pandanus, is particularly noteworthy for its dramatic architecture. Despite its name, the screw pine is not a true pine, but a flowering plant. In areas where it is native, the leaves are often woven into thatch, baskets, hats, and mats, and the flowers used for perfumes and folk medicines. Great Waterfall The thunderous sound of this twin waterfall tells you that you are near the exit of the Climatron. Take a look at the tall tree ferns to the right of the Climatron exit, and be sure to take the last leg of the path past the epiphyte forest to the Amazonian aquarium. Amazonian aquarium
This tropical aquarium holds Amazonian fish and illustrates specific qualities of a river ecosystem, particularly the idea of a river as a highway. Seeds and even animals can be dispersed by the river, carried far away during heavy rains. To exit the Climatron, turn back toward the Great Waterfall and leave through the glass doors. Brookings Annex
On your way out, be sure to see the informational exhibits in the Brookings Anex. They include live poison dart frogs and geckos.
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