Plants in the forest canopy: some reflections on current research and future direction

Plants are one of the sessile components of the forest canopy, and consequently quantitative studies of plant components are more widely available than for some of their mobile counterparts. From a global perspective, several exciting and innovative canopy access tools have been designed over the past few decades that have facilitated the expansion our understanding of canopy plants. These include a network of canopy cranes, the development of the French luge (or sled), and the construction of walkways and platforms for access into different levels of the canopy on a permanent basis. At the recent international forest canopy conference in Sarasota, Florida (Forest Canopies 1998: Global Perspectives, November 4-8, 1998), many canopy plant studies were presented that illustrated the achievements in this field. As co-chair at this event, I present here some reflections based on my observations of the development of canopy research between the first and second international conferences. A selection of case studies from the conference presentations are cited in this review, including: tree crown respiration studies from the crane in Panama; epiphyte ecology from walkways in Peru; insect-plant relationships in tree crowns of the USA using platforms; experimental studies of epiphytes in cloud forests using single rope techniques; and epiphyte diversity surveys in Africa. Ideas for the future are also mentioned such as the novel concept of canopy farming of orchids in Costa Rica, the linking of canopy processes to forest floor activities, and the construction of canopy walkways to provide a sustainable forest economy instead of the conventional practice of logging. The integration of research with sustainable use of forests provides a conservation theme for future canopy studies. Such new approaches to studies of canopy plants are important, as scientists increasingly play a role in global conservation policies.