Leaves of tropical trees are adapted to their climate.
If pictures of swaying palm trees and tall coconut trees come to mind when you think of tropical trees, you'd only be partially right. While these two species are definitely tropical, so are a host of others, including some that we normally think of as non-tropical trees, such as oak, elder and even pine. Tropical trees are any that have adapted to tropical climates.
Adaptations
Most tropical trees -- even the occasional oak, elder and pine -- are totally adapted to the warmer climates where they grow. Among those adaptations are a lack of the dormancy seen in northern areas and a need for higher light levels. Those few tropical trees that do show signs of seasonal dormancy do so as a result of lower light levels. Most tropical trees require six to eight hours of bright sunlight each day. Those dwelling in rain forests often have leaves adapted to shed the heavy rainfall.
Palm Trees
Palm trees are among the best known of tropical trees. Although most palm trees grow slowly, some species such as the Mexican fan palm may eventually reach 100 feet in height. The trunks of most palm trees have recognizable patterns, while their leaves are usually either feather- or fan-shaped. Palm tree leaves are usually quite large: Those of the California fan palm are often 6 to 7 feet in length, while those of the true date palm may be 20 feet long.
Citrus Trees
True citrus trees prefer a more Mediterranean climate than a tropical one but also will do well in warmer climates. The leaves on citrus trees are the size and shape of most moderate-weather deciduous trees. However, since these trees cannot tolerate frost for even a very brief spell, they are usually classified as tropical plants, even though they originated in eastern Asia.
Norfolk Island Pine
While pine trees are usually associated with cooler climates, the Norfolk Island pine is a tropical evergreen that often reaches 220 feet in height, with a diameter of 10 feet. Although its foliage consists of needles like any other pine, it prefers indirect light, as many lower-canopy rain forest trees do. Unlike many tropical trees, these can tolerate drier climates and temperatures in the 45- to 85-degree range.
Related posts
In the Philippines, the coconut tree is called the "tree of life."The warm temperatures of Florida make it an ideal location to plant or find palm trees. The trees grow in subtropical an...
Depending on the species, palm trees can grow up to 100 feet over a period of several years. At the other end of the scale, miniature or "bonsai" palms can fit easily inside an apartment...
The palm tree's leaves are fan-shaped.Palm trees (Palmae or Arecaceae) are iconic symbols of relaxed life on the beach and conjure up images of driving down Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood. Palm tre...
The palm family consists of over 4,000 different kinds of tropical plants, including trees, shrubs and vines. In Florida, the climate enables a number of palm trees to grow. These trees are native...
Ginkgo biloba's fan-shaped leaves turn golden in autumn.A large diversity of trees have fan-shaped leaves and small fruit. Some of those trees are deciduous and shed their leaves every season, whi...
