The upper stratum, which is at the top, consists of the tallest tree layer forming a discontinuous roof-like canopy from 25 to 100 feet in height.

The middle stratum includes woody shrubs and bushes producing close to the ground forming a kind of close canopy about 15 feet in height.

The lower stratum, which consists of grasses and herbs of nonwoody plants..

The bottom stratum, or ground stratum which consists of mosses and liverworts associated with dead leaves and other substances rich in organic matter.