The canopy of rainforests are generally closed and the trees densely spaced, in contrast to the open and scattered sclerophyllous vegetation that covers most of the forested area of the continent in the moister coastal and sub coastal zones.
Rainforest are described as “closed forest” because they have a canopy cover of 70% to 100%, consequently little sun reaches the forest floor. As a result only plants that are adapted to low light are able to flourish there.
Common plant species found in Sub- Tropical rainforest are Alectryon sp., Castanospermum sp., Elaeocarpus sp., Ficus sp.,
In tropical and sub-tropical rainforests there are three or more tree layers, with up to 60 species making up the canopy, many with large leaves. Rainforests are also distinguished from other forests by combinations of characteristic life forms e.g. epiphytes, lianes, certain root and stem structures, certain tree ferns and palms, absence of annual herbs on the forest floor.
