Interesting Epiphytes Facts That You Probably Didn't Know About

Epiphytes are plants that grow on other plants, but there is a lot more to the story than just that.

The term epiphyte comes from two Greek words: epi, meaning 'upon,' and phyton, meaning 'plant.' These fascinating organisms are pretty diverse and can exist in many different habitats and climates.

This article explores some of the more intriguing facts about these amazing species from the plant kingdom contributing to the diversity. It highlights their importance as both inhabitants of forests, jungles, and other ecosystems worldwide.

Unique Features Of Epiphytes

Epiphytes are plants that live in a symbiotic relationship with another plant. Their means of existence is to grow upon other plants for support, protection, and nutrition. For example, the umbrella leaf is a classic example of an epiphytic plant as it grows on the tree's trunk.

The benefits that these organisms provide to their host plants have earned the title 'crown-conquerors' in many tropical jungles. They typically thrive in areas such as dense undergrowth or small crevices that are marginal to growth.

Growth & Maintenance

Many epiphyte species are tropical and thus live in hot, humid regions where much of their growth occurs during the nighttime hours when temperatures are lower.

Epiphytes often display a wide array of colorful blooms. Epiphytes have developed several unique mechanisms to obtain the much-needed nutrients they cannot get through transpiration. These nutrients have been typically called 'microgreens' consisting of small particles such as dust, pollen, or even dead insects.

Epiphytes also extract nutrients from their host plant called Ectotrophic mycorrhizal, a symbiotic relationship between the epiphyte and the fungi that grow along the surface of the epiphyte roots. Their remote lifestyle and lower light requirements for photosynthesis allow them to survive in conditions that are not conducive to the growth of other plants.

Many epiphyte species have adapted to give the appearance of being dead even though they are alive and thriving. The process is called apoptosis, the cell wall tearing from the inside out around the leaf base. This leads to drying, browning, shriveling plant surface that mimics death but does not kill it over time.

Epiphytic plants are often found in tropical rainforests, where they grow on trees, rocks, or other surfaces. Flowering plants do not have a root system and get nutrients from the air and rain. Large epiphytes, such as bromeliads and orchids, can be sold in nurseries.

Epiphyte seeds often travel far from their parent tree in the air or on animals. Sunlight and water are essential for the young plant's survival.

Tiny seeds from epiphytes can travel for miles before taking root and growing into a new plant. Epiphyte branches and leaves are often covered in a thick layer of moss. Some epiphyte branches and leaves can be used to make rope.

History & Origin Of Epiphytes

The existence of epiphytes has been known for as long as humans have had a connection to plants and the environment. However, it was not until the early 1800s that the quest for an answer to the question: 'How do those weird plants on top of other plants grow?' was asked.

Over several centuries, many cultures and civilizations have explored different techniques and rituals to get closer to their gods, bring good luck, or ward off evil spirits.

Epiphytes were commonly used in these rituals and ceremonies. When the Spanish conquistadors invaded South American tribal lands, they found the local's shamans engaged in incantations that incorporated the use of orchids as a critical component.

Most epiphytes are tropical or semitropical in origin and are found worldwide. There are, however, several species that exist in temperate regions.

Types Of Epiphytes

There are three main groups of epiphytes.

Crown-conquerors: Vines, mosses, ferns, and other vascular plants have grown on trees and other plants for a long time.

Living cliffs: These epiphytes can live and thrive on rocks and other hard structures.

Deadly epiphytes: A parasitic plant that attacks and kills its host.

Canopy epiphyte species include bromeliads, orchids, and mosses. Bromeliads are a type of epiphyte that have cup-shaped leaves that holds water. These Bromeliads are found in the rainforest canopy and often have brightly colored flowers.

Also, Bromeliads can be used as a natural water filter. Lichens are a type of epiphyte made up of fungus and algae. They can grow on any surface, including rocks, trees, and buildings.

Lichens are important for creating a healthy environment because they break down rocks and other surfaces into the soil. Canopy epiphyte species are important for creating a shady environment and stabilizing the forest canopy.

Marine epiphytes are found in the ocean, where they attach to coral, rocks, and other surfaces. These marine epiphytes are usually algae, but some are bacteria or fungi. Holo epiphytes are plants that live on other plants.

FAQs

Q: What are the benefits of epiphytes?

A: Epiphytes can provide shade and shelter for other plants and help improve air quality.

Q: Are epiphytes poisonous?

A: Some epiphytes are poisonous, while others are not. It is important to research the specific species before consuming any part of it.

Q: What can epiphytes live on?

A: Epiphytes can live on various substrates, including trees, rocks, and buildings.

Q: How do epiphytes grow?

A: Epiphytes can grow in various ways, depending on the species. Some grow as vines, while others grow as shrubs or trees.

Q: What are epiphytic roots?

A: Many epiphytes have specially adapted roots to absorb moisture and nutrients from the air.

Q: Do epiphytes need water?

A: Epiphytes do not need water to live, but they will still absorb water if it is available.