Understorey is a term used in forestry to refer to the layer of vegetation found beneath the canopy of tall trees. This layer is typically composed of shrubs, small trees, and other underbrush that grows on the forest floor. Some synonyms for understorey include the underbrush, the understory, the lower story, and the lower canopy. Other related terms include the sub-canopy, the shrub layer, and the ground cover. These terms are important for understanding the complex ecosystems present in forests and the different roles that each layer plays in supporting biodiversity and maintaining ecological stability.