Aerial Roots: Many
plants in the upper regions of the rain forest have aerial (air)
roots. They are called epiphytes. Some
people mistake that to mean the the roots use air to live or
breathe. The roots actually use the moisture in the air. Their
sponge-like layers gather water and soak it up for later use.
Plants like orchids, bromeliads, and ferns have these types of root
systems. They grow high in the canopy and the roots never reach the
ground. 
Bamboo: Bamboo is one of
the fastest growing plants in the world. Found in Asian rain
forests. They can grow 6-15 inches a day. They can grow as
tall as 120 feet . Bamboo, although hard like wood, is actually a
member of the grass family. Bamboo is used in the tropics to build
houses, rafts, and bridges. Bamboo is also used to make mats, hats,
fish traps, chopsticks, and musical instruments.
Banana Plants: The banana plant is grown all over the tropics
for its fruit. Half of the world's banana crop is grown in
Africa. Central and South America export bananas to other parts of
the world. Bananas grow in bunches. Plantain is a type of
banana that is larger and coarser. It isn't as sweet.
Brazil Nuts:
Brazil Nuts are grown in the rain
forest. They are gathered by native workers and sent around the
world. Many products are grown in the rain forest. The hard
shell of the Brazil Nut is hard to crack. Some parrots have sharp
beaks to break open the shell. The nuts are found in a round
grapefruit size ball that grows on the tree and contains about 20-25 seeds
(nuts).
Bromeliads: Pineapples are part of a group of plants called
bromeliads. These plants have stiff leaves that help water travel to
the center of the plant. A big bromeliad provides a home for insects
and small water animals.
Cocoa Beans: The seeds of the "cacao" tree
are made into a powder that is called cocoa. Cocoa is a drink that
is made with this powder mixed with milk. Africa harvests about
two-thirds of the world's cocoa beans. Most of the rest comes from
South America.
Coconuts: Coconuts are the fruit of the coconut palm
tree. The fruit grows in clusters. It has a thick outer husk
and a hard inner shell. The inner white shell is called the meat of
the coconut and is used for food. The liquid inside the coconut is
called coconut milk and is a favorite drink in the tropics.
Deforestation: This refers to the cutting
down of forests. Due to land development and lumbering many rain
forests are becoming smaller every day. The loss of rain forest land
is a concern for all, because animals and plant species will become
extinct without their nature environment. 
Ferns: Ferns are spore producing plants. Most grow in
damp, shady places, but some grow in dry soil and rocks. Some are air
plants that grow on trees. Ferns come in a variety of sizes, some
are very small and others can be large bushes. 
Fruit it is a major
product of the rain
Hibiscus: There are many different species of hummingbirds in
the rain forests. They are important because they help pollinate
flowers like the hibiscus. Look at the anthers (in yellow), these
wipe onto the hummingbird when it is getting nectar from the plant and the
hummingbird transports the pollen to another plant.
Kapok Tree: The
Kapok tree is a very large tree in the rain forest. It is home to
many animals. Lynne Cherry's The Great Kapok Tree is a tale
about the Amazon Rain Forest. It tells about how animals and trees
and humans all need each other to survive. Check this book out from
your library.
Lianas:
Lianas are climbing plants. They climb the canopy in search
of light. They wrap around branches and link from tree to
tree. Lianas send roots that hang in midair, called aerial
roots. These roots spread when they hit the ground and help support
other climbing plants. 
Orchids:
Orchids are an epiphyte. Epiphytes are plants that live on
other plants. They often are found on tree trunks and branches of
trees. The orchid traps rainfall with its aerial roots.
Orchids are one of the many prized flowers of the rain forest.
Palms: There are many varieties of palm trees. The coconut
originated in Asia and the pacific coast of South America. They now
can be found around the world. They produce a fruit called
coconuts. The palms grow along the shores of the tropics.
Periwinkles:
The rosy periwinkle is found in the rain forest. It is part
of the "dogbane" family. Periwinkles are often used
to treat childhood leukemia and Hodgkin's disease.
Rubber:
Rubber is a product of the rain forest. It comes from a
rubber tree plant. These plants produce a sticky material called
latex. Latex is used to make rubber.
Spices: There are many spices that come from the
rainforest. Some are known to you. They are cinnamon, nutmeg,
cloves, and ginger. These and other spices are used throughout the
world.
Vines:
Vines are climber plants like lianas. Some reach for the
sunlight, while others head toward the ground to get nutrients for the
plants. Some vines are very strong and animals like monkeys, use
them to swing from tree to tree or to rest on. Some vines help
support the plants by burying in the ground and anchoring its roots.
Wood: Many types of wood comes from trees
grown in the rain forest. Some woods like mahogany, are use to make
furniture. Some worry with the harvesting of wood for commercial use
that we will be destroying the rain forest ecosystems.