What are epiphytic plants?

epiphytic plants are plants that rely on other plants to support, grow on strains and branches rather than rooting on the ground or to the seabed, in the case of water epiphytes. It is estimated that there are about 30,000 species of epiphytic plants around the world, with approximately half of these species in the rainforest. Proliferation of such plants illustrates how very effective their lifestyle can be. Instead, they collect nutrients from the air or water around them and rely on their host to provide physical support in the form of a place to call home. Epiphytic plants come in a wide range of shapes, sizes and colors, all of which produce abundant seeds to ensure that plants continue to survive. Unlike plants on Earth, epiphytes cannot rely on a high degree of germination because their seeds must land in the right place.

Vdeštý forest, epiphytic plants are collected in the canopy of the forest. Because they can grow up in the air, they can stand upin a sunny place and bring them in the advantage over plants on the ground that are heavily overshadowed. Life in the canopy also gives epiphytic plants access to a number of animals and insects rarely seen near the ground and more water. Many animals use epiphytes in the rainforest as a habitat living in cavities formed by their leaves.

orchids are a well -known group of epiphytes, as well as bromeliads. These tropical plants are physically quite striking and are also popular houseplants. Epiphytes can also be found in the ocean, attached to various seaweeds and in mild forests. Some scientists are considered to be a great example of convergent development by these plants, because numerous plant species adjust epiphytic properties, suggestion that epiphytic lifestyle is a logical development of plants.

Although epiphytic plants are not parasitic, they can still damage their hosts. SomeFor example, a protective barking when they laid roots, and many shades of leaves of their hosts, which prevents them from photosynthetization. Epiphytic plants can also attract insects that can damage the tree, and can increase wind resistance, which can be dangerous for trees in wind areas. Naturally, epiphytes do not want to kill their hosts, but many have evolved to live as symbiotically as possible in a mutually beneficial relationship. For example, epiphytes can store water and nutrients that their hosts can use.