The plants in the Amazon rainforest

Amazon rainforest plants and animals survive in harsh conditions and in a soil that is not rich in nutrients. Yet, the plants sustain themselves and form a thick canopy layer of the rainforest. There are thousands of tree species in the Amazon and over hundreds of plants species that are yet to be discovered.These are the list of common plants in the Amazon rainforest:


Bromeliad
There are over 2,000 species of bromeliad species in the Amazon rainforest. The most common bromeliad specie is the pineapple. You will find a variety of colors like purple, blue, orange, red in bromeliad plant species. They are found growing all over the rainforest on rocks, in soil and few even growing on other Amazon rainforest plants and tree trunks.


Heliconia
These flowers come in many sizes and colors and are shaped in such a way, that only a few birds can reach them for nectar. They are found in a rainbow of colors, patterns and sizes, making them popular decorative flowers around the world.



Kapok Tree
The giant of the Amazon rainforest that can grow up to 200 feet high and 9 to 11 inches in diameter, the Kapok tree is the most important plant specie of the Amazon rainforest, as it houses many different species of Amazon rainforest plants and animals. The Amazon rainforest kapok tree is used by the native people for its bark, resin, seeds and leaves. It is known to help treat fever, asthma, kidney diseases and dysentery. 



Orchids
The orchids are known for their beauty and strong fragrance. You will find hundreds of orchid species in the Amazon rainforest. They are known to survive long periods without water. They produce hundreds and thousands of seeds that are carried by the wind through out the Amazon rainforest for propagation.



Water Lily
The water lily is the largest flower in the world. It can grow up to 6 feet long. Even though it is large in size, but weighs nothing. It can float on water in Amazon lakes and rivers.




White Trillium
The white trillium flower has three petals, three sepals and three leaves. If you chew on to white trillium leaves, it will help cure a snake bite, it will also  help a women in labour to ease childbirth, and it helps curing fevers.



Coca
The coca plant is one of the widely used plants in South America. It is said, chewing the leaves will help treat a headache and prevent tiredness. It is also used to relieve sickness, hunger, fatigue and even aches and pains.



Castor Beans
The castor beans are used to help relieve constipation. But, they are also very poisonous. Thus, their use has been minimized anl is used as a lubricant, lotion for dry skin, dermatitis, sunburn, open sores.