Table 5 Four types of rainforest ecosystems distinguished by the altitude and physiognomy of the vegetation layer [40, 41]

Lowland evergreen rainforest

From sea level to 1200 m

Thick closed-canopy stands. Evergreen trees in a minimum of 3 layers. Canopy surpassing 30 m. Emergent layer surpassing 45 m in height. Lack of plant species diversity. Rare floor vegetation and are dominated by tree seedlings

Montane rainforest

 Lower

Altitude range is 1200–1500 m

Canopy is more equal. Lower statured compared to lowland evergreen. Canopy height 15–33 m

 Upper

Altitude range is 1500–4000 m

Smallest in stature. Emergent trees maximum 26 m. Canopy height from 1.5 to 18 m

Semi-evergreen rainforest

From the sea level to approximately 1000 m. Strongly influenced by a yearly humidity level

Tall closed-canopy. Canopy and emergent heights are less than lowland evergreen. Emergent vegetation can reach 45 m in height