Learn English – What’s a word for the shape of the space among the trees in a forest

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I'm writing a proposal that contrasts systems with two different geometries. I'm looking for a word or short phrase (preferably non-technical), that would describe one of the geometries, which is space analogous to the space under a forest canopy and among the trees plus the gaps in the canopy and clearings, i.e. all the air space in the forest.

For comparison, the other system I'm describing is the vertebrate circulatory system, which can be described as a tree of vessels.

Some words I've considered are anastomosing and reticulum/reticulated but both words miss some aspects of the system I'm trying to describe (the clearings/gaps in the canopy) and also describe some parts of the system I'm contrasting it with (the vascular system).

Best Answer

The word "interstice" comes to mind. I'm a biology graduate and we referred to the space between the body's tissues as the interstitial space.

Interstice — ODO

(noun) usually interstices ; An intervening space, especially a very small one

"sunshine filtered through the interstices of the arching trees"

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