The Green Planet

(suspenseful music) -

Narrator

This vine is groping blindly around with its tendrils. It attempts to reach the light by hitching a ride. Its tendrils are highly sensitive to touch. (dramatic music) And a suitable target is in range. (suspenseful music) Got it. The vine tightens its grip and begins to haul itself upwards. But it's now overtaken by the forest's fastest growing tree, a young balsa. Its giant leaves are already 40 centimeters across and are stealing the light from its rivals below. But the balsa's battle is not yet won. Other, different vines are lying in wait. (dramatic music) Each is armed with dozens of claw-like hooks. If just one hook gets a grip the vine will be able to smother its victim. (ominous music) But the balsa is defended by a shield of slippery hairs. The vine's hooks just can't get a hold. (dramatic music) The balsa brushes them aside and continues to rush skyward, leaving the losers in its shadow to fight among themselves. (tender music) This balsa has won its battle for the light.