Liana

A liana is a woody climbing plant that uses other vegetation for physical support to reach sunlight. Lianas are not a single taxonomic group; they represent a growth form found in many plant families. They range from slender, flexible vines to thick, sturdy stems that can extend long distances through forests.

Climbing methods include twining around stems, the use of tendrils or adventitious roots, hooks, or cling to the bark of hosts. Hemiepiphytic lianas start life on a host or the forest floor and gradually reach the canopy. Their behavior allows them to colonize tall hosts without investing heavily in supportive trunks.

Ecology and distribution: Lianas are especially common in tropical rainforests of Africa, Asia, and the Americas, where they contribute to vertical forest structure and biodiversity. They influence tree growth by competing for light and, in some cases, by stressing or girdling host trees. Lianas also provide fruits, leaves, and nectar for animals and can facilitate movement for arboreal species across the canopy.

Human interactions: Lianas have various traditional uses in some regions, including fibers, medicine, and food products. In other contexts, some species are cultivated or harvested, while non-native lianas can become invasive and disrupt local ecosystems. Changes in climate and forest disturbance can alter their abundance, sometimes increasing in disturbed or edge habitats.