liane

Liane is a term that may refer to more than one concept. In botany, liane (often written liana in English) denotes a long-stemmed, woody climbing plant that uses other vegetation for support to reach light. Lianas are especially common in tropical forests and belong to many plant families, including Vitaceae, Fabaceae, and Bignoniaceae. They can be evergreen or deciduous and tend to form a key component of forest structure by connecting understory plants with the canopy. Ecologically, lianas influence forest dynamics by facilitating habitat connectivity and seed dispersal, while also competing with host trees for light and resources, potentially affecting tree growth and mortality.

As a proper noun, Liane is a feminine given name used in various languages and cultures. Its origin and meaning vary by region; in some contexts it is regarded as a variant of names such as Eliane or Leanne, or as an independent name. The usage and spelling of the name can differ across countries, reflecting local naming traditions.