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liana

liana

2 8.9
A long woody vine that climbs trees in tropical forests
  • noun
  • /liˈɑːnə/
  • Specialized
translation icon : liana
  • Clearing tropical forest harms more than just lianas and butterflies; it also destroys an important carbon store and, therefore, contributes to global climate change, with myriad impacts on human food production and safety.
  • liana vines
  • trees and lianas

Examples

  • All around the A. excelsum are other species of trees, also draped with vines, known as lianas.

    Academic text (1996)
  • The liana wrapped itself around the tall tree, reaching for sunlight high above.

  • Leaving the heart of the garden, I found myself in a real jungle interwoven with liana plants.

    Fiction book (2001)
  • The species of tree leaf and the coverage by lianas or vines were noted at each contact point.

    Academic text (1992)
  • The whole structure is held in place either by tightly bound liana or by nails, which bamboo takes well.

    Academic text (1991)
  • The forest duikers and chevrotains eat fallen fruits and seeds produced by canopy trees and lianas.

    Academic text (1992)
  • Another area of keen interest is the role that lianas, epiphytes, and other canopy-dwelling plants play in moving carbon, water, and nutrients within the forest ecosystem.

    Academic text (1996)
  • In the dense forest, the liana hung from branches, creating a natural bridge between trees.

  • We noticed the liana climbing up the trunk, its thick green stems flourishing in the tropical climate.

Synonyms

vine
vsliana
116 1.0

A plant with a long stem that climbs or trails along fences and walls

is a woody climber that grows up trees mainly in tropical forests

How Woody

liana
  • Specialized
2 8.9
herb
70 1.0

Surface Forms

liana singular
lianas plural

Etymology

Liana comes from French liane, probably from a Caribbean word meaning 'to climb' or 'to bind'. So a liana is a long, woody 'vine' that climbs up trees in tropical forests.