What is an epiphyte?

Simply put, this particular plant type relies on the larger tree species for physical support. Actually what proliferates their abundance on this planet is the ample presence of rainforests. Yet, what essentially seems to spur their growth is their ability to grow in mist-laden environment at a good height of 3,300-6,600 feet (1,000-2,000 m).

Evolution in varied diversities

Be it the rainforest system, aquatic or rather any other system, epiphytes have this remarkable ability to adapt. Amongst the 83 families to which the epiphytes belong, most of them are ferns. Trunks and branches provide them the required support to grow. Rooting themselves on their surfaces, they manage to catch the light and thus have an advantage on plants growing on the ground. Obviously, the benefits are manifold.

But, mostly their “germination” fails owing to the fact that a proper landing spot is often difficult to find.

Their natural habitats

Epiphytic species like ferns, lichens, mosses, cacti, bromeliads, numbering around 2000, provide the fauna with a comfortable shelter. It is in the hollows created by their leaves, where most of the insects and creatures find a cozy environment.

Plant evolution?

Existing in innumerable diversities gives the epiphytes an edge over other flowering and ornamental plants. The very absence of firm ground beneath them has made them to develop specialized structures. For instance, orchids have thick stems for the storage of water.

With over 18,000 species, particularly the orchids comprise about 8 percent of the total flower population in the world. Whew! A staggering figure, isn’t it?

But wait! There is more interesting news for you. About 10,000 to 12,000 orchid species remain yet to be discovered, which is far more than estimated earlier.

Coming back to the specialized structures, some of the epiphytes have developed basket like structures. These help them in catching the falling leaves etc. followed by their subsequent decomposition. Notice another interesting phenomenon in “tank bromeliads”, a species, which has a symbiotic relationship with their host. This particular type transforms excrement form the insects inhabiting in its water catchments, to the ingredients for its own sustenance.

Other specialized structures

So many plants of this epiphytic species have developed leaf hairs, which are effective during the period of water scarcity. They close the plant stomata whenever there is a shortage of water and then there are others like the tank bromeliads (mentioned above), which have their own means of sustenance. The latter are able to store water in their dry, yet “shaped-like-bowl” leaves.
   
Dispersion of the species

Guess what could be the reason behind the success in the proliferation of the species worldwide! Well, nothing else than their size, which in most of the cases, doesn’t go beyond a few microns. Numbering in thousands, they come in balloon-like seed coat and are carried easily by the wind currents to far away locations.
Remarkable as they are, they manage the continuance of their species with the assistance of specialized structures. That of course, includes wind-dispersed seeds with wings or in certain cases even the parachutes.

An apt instance can be cited that of the Mistletoe, whose berries have a laxative coating. This helps them in a normal passage in the alimentary canal of the birds, who consume them.  

Epiphytes can usually be found to be growing in the grooves, nicks and cracks in the rocks. The debris collected in them provides the developing plant with all the essential nutrients.

Most of them find sustenance in the debris created by the fallen leaves, wood and the animal waste.
Surely, epiphytic species is one large family with an array that dazzle with their colors, patterns, forms and unique shapes. Of particular interest are the orchids, in which the nature lovers can find the treasure trove in the form of innumerable ornamental plants.
Next times you visit your favorite nursery don’t forget to ask the specific methods of their propagation.