There are also temperate lianas, for example the members of the clematis or vitis (wild grape) genera. They are a conspicuous component of tropical forest ecosystems and represent one of the most important structural differences between tropical and temperate forests. The meaning of liana is any of various usually woody vines especially of tropical rainforests that root in the ground. Lianas are woody vines that root in the soil but depend on other plants, primarily trees, for physical support to climb upwards The term “liana” describes a growth form, similar to “tree” or “shrub,” rather than a specific taxonomic group Many different plant families contain liana species.
Most researchers define lianas as climbing plants that develop a significant amount of wood They start out as small upright shrubs Most lianas produce long shoots with tendrils that attach themselves to a support Eventually they extend into the canopy, reaching it via the understory and lower canopy trees, and sometimes growing up with their supporting trees.
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