Topic 4.7: Forbs (=Broadleaved Herbs)

The term “forb” is used to describe herbaceous species other than grasses and grass-like plants (i.e., graminoids). Forbs range from tiny plants to giant, almost tree-like bananas, various gingers, heliconias, and members of the Costaceae. Particularly in wet places subjected to frequent disturbances by large animals as well as treefalls, large forbs can dominate the understory and sometimes reduce rates of tree regeneration. Given that they live in forest understories where wind speeds are typically very low, few are wind dispersed and many produce fleshy fruits relished by wildlife. And as herbaceous plants, their foliage and often succulent stems are provide food for herbivores, both large and small.

Figure 4.7.1. Giant tropical herbs in the genus Costus. By vegetative expansion via stolons or rhizomes, these giant herbs can sometime dominate large areas and impede tree regeneration.