Forest plants: what are they, types and names

You have probably heard or read the term forest plants or forest plantation , as they are found all over the world and have different types of climates and tree species.

If you want to know what this term refers to, keep reading us in this article about forest plants, what they are, their characteristics, types and names of species, as well as looking at photos to identify some of them.

What are forest plants and their characteristics

The forest plants are not a type of plant itself. It is not a specific family of plants, or anything like that. Forest plants are defined as those that are present in forests with a predominance of trees , whose main characteristic is that they have been planted there by human hands .

There are a large number of forest plantations around the world and, logically, all of them have different characteristics depending on the climate and characteristics of the area, in addition to the plant species used. Usually, these plantations are carried out with the objective of obtaining raw material in the form of wood or cork, that is, for forestry or logging .

Forest plants: what are they, types and names - What are forest plants and their characteristics

Types of forest plants

The most important are forest trees , intended for logging. The most common are the following:

Oak

The oaks are very resistant trees with slow growth and long life expectancy. Its wood is highly valued for its strength and hardness, and is used in the manufacture of high-quality furniture and structures, as well as to provide touches of flavor and aroma determined in the liquor industry. Oak forest plantations are found mainly in the northern hemisphere.

Mahogany

Mahogany trees have a long trunk and few branches, which can reach heights of more than 20 meters. In fact, mahogany wood is obtained from three different species, all of them from the intertoprical zone of the American continent. It is, therefore, a tree with a warm tropical climate, which grows without problems in full sun and requires fertile and well-drained soil.

Pine tree

Pine, which actually encompasses a whole genus of species, is also often used as a forest plantation due to the extensive use of its wood. They are evergreen trees that are large in most species, with needle-shaped leaves that produce the characteristic pinecones. Its wood is often used in the manufacture of furniture of average quality, as well as in interior and exterior carpentry.

Cedar

Cedars are conifers that can reach 50 meters in height. These are evergreen trees whose wood is highly valued for its aromatic properties. Cedars are known to exceed 2,000 years of life expectancy, producing small flowers with an odor that some claim is reminiscent of garlic. Its wood is reddish in color, light and strong, and is often used indoors because of its resistance to insects. Due to its low weight, it is also commonly used in model toys and miniatures, as well as musical instruments.

Rubber tree

This tree is characterized by the sap it produces, which when extracted from the plant is used to make various types of rubber and latex. It is a tree that can reach heights of 30 meters, with dark green and shiny leaves. It is very popular due to its high growth rate, reaching its full size in approximately 13 years. It is a very resistant species that, although it is typical of humid and tropical climates, can survive in very dry environments.

Poplar

The poplar, especially the white poplar, Populus alba , is a very widespread species throughout the Iberian Peninsula and very easy to recognize. It is a deciduous tree that stands out for its rapid growth.

Its bark is light gray or white, as its name suggests, and its popularity comes from its great resistance which, together with the fact that it is a fast-growing tree , is highly productive. Although it supports both cold and heat, this plant requires large amounts of water to develop properly, and it is important to plant it away from buildings due to the great strength and extension capacity of its roots. Its wood is commonly used in light carpentry work, and also for the production of cellulose pulp.

Examples of forest plants

Finally, these are some examples of forest plant species :

Forest Plants: What They Are, Types and Names - Examples of Forest Plants
Forest plants: what are they, types and names

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