The sudden blaze of sunlight will bring life to the forest floor.
A single hectare of rainforest
may contain as many as 250 species of tree.
That's nearly ten times the number that grow in Britain
and the thirst for light triggers a race for a place in the sun.
There's no time to waste.
A seed that may have fallen only a few days ago,
now bursts through the leaf litter.
With so many competitors,
getting a good start is critical
but each plant has its own particular strategy
for making the most of this rare opportunity.
The seeds of hardwoods are quick to germinate
but, like the fabled tortoise, their strategy is to be slow and steady.
Vines and other climbers
put all their energy into rapid vertical growth
rather than girth
though they'll need to be well supported.