Lianas, the ‘bad boys’ of the jungle?

Lianas (or Jungle Vines) are one of the natural, sustainable materials used to make some of our beautiful lamps. Their fantastic shapes and shades provide really unique effects that are, essentially, ‘designed by nature’. However, did you know that Lianas, in some ways, are the ‘bad boys’ of the jungle? Here’s why …..

Lianas begin their lives as small shrubs that yearn to reach the light-rich environment of the upper elements of the jungle canopy. To do this, they rely on other plants to reach there. Grasping, clinging, twisting and forcing their way upwards. As they do so, they become a huge problem for rainforest trees. Some species of tree have developed mechanisms to rid themselves of Lianas, including losing their own fronds and branches to uncouple themselves from the Lianas. 

Lianas aren’t parasitic in nature, but simply use the trees in their surroundings for support. The problem is that this can seriously affect tree growth and development. This is not only caused by the physical impact of the Lianas as they cling to the tree, but also because the Lianas can create a cover in the canopy, which reduces the amount of sunlight reaching the trees. Another area of impact is that Lianas also compete with the trees for water and soil nutrients.

However, the negative impact of Lianas on the rainforest as ‘the bad boys of the jungle’, doesn’t alter their exquisite beauty.