One of the most prominent life forms lining the riverbank is the unique Cecropia tree. Like many of the plants in the rainforest, the Cecropia has developed a mutualistic, or companion relationship with other organisms; this basically means the tree has developed friends that protect it. When we bump against a Cecropia tree in our canoes, its friends, a teeming colony of red ants come out of the hollowed bark to bite us. Ouch!!

Survival in the crowded rainforest is difficult for plant life. Not only is there a struggle for food (sunlight and soil nutrients) there is constant pressure from plant-eating predators. Some plants produce toxic chemicals so they will not be eaten, others have teamed up with other organisms to become stronger.

Friendships are about giving and receiving, so the Cecropia tree is the ant colony's nest in return for this nice security system that the ants provide the tree against herbivores. The Cecropia tree provides shelter from the storms and protection from predators for the ants. When the ants attack intruders, they are protecting their nest as well as protecting the tree.

Another critter that loves the Cecropia is the Three-toed Sloth. Somehow, the thick fur of the Sloth shelters it from ant bites. Maybe the Sloth moves so slow that the ants do not even know it is there. The Sloth enjoys eating the fast growing leaves, pods, and shoots of the Cecropia tree. Bats are also attracted to the Cecropia because its seed pods provide a nutritious meal. Once again, the tree benefits from this relationship with bats because they help disperse its seeds throughout the forest.

Yesterday a giant rainstorm caught us while we were paddling down river and our gear was not covered in the canoe. Normally we would paddle in the rain but instead we ducked out under the cover of the very large, umbrellas-like leaves of the Cecropia tree and we barely got wet. Now that is one useful tree!! How do trees play a role in your life?

Have you hugged a tree today?

Patrick