Epiphytes

Definition

Epiphytes are plants that grow on other plants, deriving moisture and nutrients from the air, rain, and sometimes debris accumulating around them. They do not parasitize their host plant.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Epiphytes are commonly found in tropical rainforest ecosystems and include species such as orchids, ferns, and bromeliads.
2. They play a crucial role in biodiversity by creating habitats for numerous organisms, including microbes.
3. Epiphytes contribute to nutrient cycling within their ecosystems by intercepting organic matter and water.
4. Unlike parasites, epiphytes do not harm their host plants; they use them merely for physical support.
5. Lichens often behave similarly to epiphytes by colonizing tree bark or rock surfaces without harming their substrate.

Review Questions

• What distinguishes epiphytes from parasitic plants?
• How do epiphytes obtain the nutrients they need to survive?
• In what ways do epiphytes contribute to their ecosystem's biodiversity?

Related terms

Lichen: A symbiotic association between a fungus and an alga or cyanobacterium.

Mycorrhizae: Mutualistic associations between fungi and plant roots that enhance nutrient uptake.

Symbiosis: A close biological interaction between two different biological organisms, which can be mutualistic, commensalistic, or parasitic.