Elyse Spaun Botanist
TREES
There are many trees that grow in a Tropical Savanna. From more common trees, like pines and palms, to rarer ones, such as acacias, jarrahs, and baobab trees. The trees are amazing creatures that are immensely interesting! For example, the baobab tree is very smart. It only grows leaves in the wet season to prevent water loss. Also, acacia trees have a stunningly amazing defense mechanism. They can release a chemical into their leaves to stop hungry giraffes from eating their leaves. In addition, they can also warn surrounding trees with a chemical that it releases.
GRASSES
Just like with trees, grasses are abundant in the Tropical Savanna. There is star grass, lemongrass, Rhodes grass, red cats grass, and many others. Grass is the dominant plant in the Savanna. They can also be very smart. They know to grow very quickly when there is adequate amounts of water. Also, grasses turn brown towards the top to prevent water loss. The top of the plant, while brown, doesn’t use any water and saves it for when and where the plant actually needs it.
FUN FACTS
Acacias have ants in their hollow thorns. When an animal bites the thorns, they get a mouthful of angry ants!
Fire stimulates new growth in plants because the ashes and stored water in the roots replenishes the soil.
TREES
There are many trees that grow in a Tropical Savanna. From more common trees, like pines and palms, to rarer ones, such as acacias, jarrahs, and baobab trees. The trees are amazing creatures that are immensely interesting! For example, the baobab tree is very smart. It only grows leaves in the wet season to prevent water loss. Also, acacia trees have a stunningly amazing defense mechanism. They can release a chemical into their leaves to stop hungry giraffes from eating their leaves. In addition, they can also warn surrounding trees with a chemical that it releases.
GRASSES
Just like with trees, grasses are abundant in the Tropical Savanna. There is star grass, lemongrass, Rhodes grass, red cats grass, and many others. Grass is the dominant plant in the Savanna. They can also be very smart. They know to grow very quickly when there is adequate amounts of water. Also, grasses turn brown towards the top to prevent water loss. The top of the plant, while brown, doesn’t use any water and saves it for when and where the plant actually needs it.
FUN FACTS
Acacias have ants in their hollow thorns. When an animal bites the thorns, they get a mouthful of angry ants!
Fire stimulates new growth in plants because the ashes and stored water in the roots replenishes the soil.