FAST FACTS

Rainforests in Asia are some of the oldest on Earth due to the consistently warm, wet climate around the equator. Since rainforest soil is shallow, trees have adapted by growing buttressed roots and stilt roots. Because there is little wind in the dense rainforest canopy, trees depend on animals and insects for pollination and seed dispersion. Plants such as durian and the corpse-like Rafflesia surround their seeds with strong- smelling fruit pulp to aid in their survival. Deforestation is a major problem in Southeast Asia – particularly in Indonesia – due to an increase in human population, illegal logging and agriculture.