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The term epiphyte refers to any plant that grows upon or attached to another living plant. The term stems from the Greek epi- (meaning 'upon') and phyton (meaning 'plant'). These plants are sometimes called "air plants" because they do not root in soil. However, there are many aquatic species of algae, including seaweeds, that are epiphytes on other aquatic plants (seaweeds or aquatic angiosperms).
Of course there are also parasitic and semiparasitic plants growing on others. The best-known of this is the mistletoe.
An epiphyte uses photosynthesis for energy and (where non-aquatic) obtains moisture from the air or from dampness (rain and cloud moisture) on the surface of its host.
Roots may develop primarily for attachment, and specialized structures (for example, cups and scales) used to collect or hold moisture.
Epiphytes are not parasitic on their host, growing independently and deriving only physical support. A clear advantage is gained over other herbs restricted to the ground (soil) surface where light is less available in the forest and herbivores are more active. However, epiphytes may grow so thickly as to damage the supporting plant.
Epiphytes are also important to certain animals that may live in their water reservoirs, such some types of frogs and arthropods.
The best-known epiphytes include mosses, lichens, orchids, and bromeliads (such as Spanish moss of the genus Tillandsia), but epiphytes may be found in every major group of the plant kingdom. Assemblages of large epiphytes occur most abundantly in moist tropical forests, but mosses and lichens occur as epiphytes in almost any environment with trees.
In Europe one can find sometimes grass, small bushes and small trees growing in the forks of a branch. However there are no dedicated epiphytes using roots in Europe.
The first important monograph on epiphyte ecology was written by A.F.W. Schimper (Die epiphytische Vegetation Amerikas, 1888).
Epiphyte is one of the subdivisions of the Raunkiær system.
Popular culture
The fictitious company Epiphyte features prominently in Neal Stephenson's novel Cryptonomicon.
See also
- Epiphyllum - Orchid Cacti
- Resurrection fern - An epiphytal fern of the Southeastern U.S..
- Parasitic plant