Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
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
Epiphytes are commonly found in tropical rainforest ecosystems and include species such as orchids, ferns, and bromeliads.
They play a crucial role in biodiversity by creating habitats for numerous organisms, including microbes.
Epiphytes contribute to nutrient cycling within their ecosystems by intercepting organic matter and water.
Unlike parasites, epiphytes do not harm their host plants; they use them merely for physical support.
Lichens often behave similarly to epiphytes by colonizing tree bark or rock surfaces without harming their substrate.