Tropical Dome

Tropical rainforests, covering five continents but less than 7% of the Earth's land surface, are home to over 15 million species of plants and animals. It is Earth's most productive and diverse ecosystem. Take a virtual tour of the Tropical Dome

In our microcosm of the rainforest, you'll encounter over 1,200 species of tropical plants as well as some tropical birds. Rainforest products you'll see in the Tropical Dome include so much more than our favorite houseplants!

Perhaps the most familiar plants of the rainforest are those we have incorporated into our homes and offices for decorating -- plants such as philodendrons, peperomias, bromeliads, orchids, ferns, marantas and calatheas. Other flowering plants that provide vibrant color to the tropical exhibit include amaryllis, hibiscus, anthurium, calliandra, clerodendron, crinum and heliconia.

Unusual tropical life forms are also apparent. A rainforest ecosystem develops vertically as well as horizontally. Our favorite houseplants are often found growing as ground covers in the tropics; their adaptation to low light enables them to survive in our homes. A wide array of epiphytes (plants that use other plants for physical support) such as orchids, bromeliads and ferns are growing overhead on tree branches. Indeed, it is in the forest canopy, along tree branches that much of the plant productivity and diversity occur. Vining plants that scramble up trees to gain more light include vanilla, passiflora, quisqualis, and aristolochia. The tallest trees of the rainforest are called "emergents" because their canopies rise above all others. Here in the Tropical Dome, our emergent is the kapok (Ceiba pentandra), reaching 85' tall. Look at its base and you will discover an important adaptation to the shallow tropical soils – buttressed roots that afford additional support for the tree.

Visit the Arid Dome
Visit the Floral Show Dome