liana

     

The liana is any of various long-stemme, usually woody vines that are rooted in the soil at ground level and use trees, as well as other means of vertical support, to climb up to the canopy in order to get access to well-lit areas of the forest. Lianas are especially characteristic of tropical moist deciduous forests and rainforests. These climbers often form bridges between the forest canopy, connect the entire forest and provide arboreal animals with paths across the forest. There are also temperate lianas, however, for example the members of the genus Clematis. Well-known lianas include Arnold, Monkey Ladder, Water Vine and Pothos.