lianas

Lianas are long-stemmed woody climbing plants that use other vegetation for structural support as they reach toward the forest canopy. Unlike herbaceous vines, lianas have persistent lignified stems and often exhibit secondary growth, allowing them to become thick, woody climbers over time. They rely on hosts such as trees, shrubs, or fallen logs to gain light and avoid building a self-supporting trunk.

Lianas are most diverse in tropical forests, especially in rainforests, but they also occur in subtropical and temperate regions. They attach to their supports through a variety of mechanisms, including twining stems that wrap around hosts, adhesive roots or tendrils that cling, and hooks or other climbing structures.

In forest ecosystems, lianas influence structure and dynamics by connecting different canopy layers and providing pathways for animals. They add biomass and can alter light availability and stem growth of host trees. In some contexts, heavy liana loads may suppress tree growth, increase susceptibility to wind damage, and affect carbon storage. Conversely, they can enhance habitat complexity and contribute to food webs through their flowers and fruits.

Lianas have various human uses, including fiber, medicine, and ornamental horticulture. In ecological management and restoration, liana abundance is an important consideration, as reestablishment and competition with trees can shape forest recovery and composition.