One of the largest and oldest trees in the rainforest is the Kapok tree. It can grow over 200 feet tall.
The Kapok tree has special roots called buttress roots. These roots can grow up to 15 feet tall!
Kapok trees depend on buttress roots. These special roots help the tree get more nutrients or food from the soil. They also keep the tree from tipping over in strong winds.
The rainforest soil gets its nutrients from decaying (rotting) plants and animals. Termites, giant earthworms, millipedes, and beetles eat rotting plants and animals. They are called decomposers.
The decomposers recycle the forest waste to provide nutrients for plants to use. The decomposers are important to the rainforest. |
