Rainforest shrubs require different degrees of sunlight. Most rainforest shrubs have adapted to life in low light, as they are largely shaded by tall trees. Shrubs are part of the understory, or lower canopy, of the rainforest, underneath an umbrella-like ceiling (the canopy). Still, some rainforest shrubs thrive only near light gaps or forest edges, where the sunlight is stronger. For instance, chain fruit shrubs, which grow in Australian rainforests and in monsoon forests, require lots of sunlight to flourish and grow only after a large tree has fallen and exposed a gap in the canopy.
Rainforest shrubs vary greatly in structure. Shorter shrubs grow a few feet tall, but taller shrubs can grow as tall as 30 feet. Some rainforest shrubs, such as the rafflesia epiphyte, begin growing as a vine and then transform into a more cabbage-like shrub. Normally, shrubs that bloom only do so once in the cabbage-like stage. Blooming shrubs, including the rafflesia epiphyte, often die within days of blossoming. The leaves of rainforest shrubs are generally very large, althrough leaves vary in structure. Chain fruit shurbs, for instance, have very small leaves that are sharp and prickly, while heliconia shrubs have large, paddle-shaped leaves that are sometimes called "lobster claws" because of their size and beak-like bracts.
Many rainforest shrubs bloom colorful leaves and flowers, adding to the vibrancy and lushness of many tropical rainforests. Heliconia, for instance, are bright red, orange, purple and yellow leafed shrubs that bloom seedy flowers. The maroon and yellow rafflesia epiphyte produces the world's largest flower, which has been recorded at 45 inches in diameter, but averages around 30 inches in diameter. Monkey cups are another example of rainforest shrubs with vibrant flowers. Monkey cups blossom in yellow, orange and red.
Many of the animals that dwell among rainforest shrubs also dwell in the canopy layer. Sloths, jaguars and leopards, for instance, cross over between both layers. Often, the seeds of flowers from rainforest shrubs are spread from the animals that tread on them and then circulate around the forest. Many of the species living in the shrub layer are nocturnal. The shrubs are often populated by tree frogs, bats, owls and many kinds of insects.
