Stilt-Trees
This is a classic example of a stilt-tree. What’s a stilt-tree?
Well this tree germinated where the red dot in this photo is. When this tree germinated from a seed there was a stump here. and it germinated on the stump. As time passed the seedling grew as the stump rotted. The moist rainforest climate allowed the seedling to survive and extend its roots all the way to the ground. As the stump rotted the tree roots has to grow thicker and more supportive. Eventually the stump was virtually gone leaving the tree supported by its roots, in this case ten feet in the air like stilts.
This sort of situation is very common in the rainforest. You see this on the west coast of Vancouver Island again and again. Germinating on a log or stump confers an advantage to a seedling. The ground vegetation is often so thick and so high that it is impossible for a seedling to compete for light. But by germinating on something as high as the brush or higher, it can compete successfully.
Another little nugget of forestry wisdom brought to you by Rainbird Excursions.