Epiphytes

Epiphytes are a type of organism that develops on the exterior of other vegetation. On the other hand, some epiphytes may be created on rocks or stones and a few other support surfaces. While certain epiphytes harm plants, the large bulk is not a parasite. Instead of relying on the plant for nourishment, they typically rely on it for assistance.

Fungi, algae, and vascular plants are just a few examples of epiphytes. Based on the kind of epiphyte, certain epiphytes live and grow on other plants, whereas others do so for a portion of it. As a result, they initially establish themselves on the soil before resting on other species for survival, but they possess no attachment to the earth.

Epiphytes could well be found almost wherever that other vegetation grows. As a result, they may be found in various parts of the world.

More on epiphytes 

An epiphyte seems to be a natural plant on its exterior layer. It gets its soil moisture, minerals, or nutrients from the atmosphere, rainfall, rainwater, or trash that collects around it. The vegetation that epiphytes develop on is known as phorophytes.

Epiphytes shall never be a parasite. Parasites are creatures living in or on other creatures, whilst epiphytes primarily climb on other vegetation for support structures but do not rely on them for nourishment. Instead, they eat the food that the host provides. Parasites affect the host plant. However, epiphytes do not. Although epiphytes are not biologically dependent on their hosts, parasites are. Parasites rely on their hosts for food, housing, and shelter, whilst epiphytes rely on their hosts for bodily support.

Meaning & classification of Epiphytes:

Epiphytes spread on other plants for practical support. They’re also described as air plants. Rather than the earth, they get their nutrition from rainfall or the air. 

There are various forms of epiphytes, which are grouped into two primary groups: 

• Vascular epiphytes, which belong to 20-35% of all epiphytes like grass
• Non-vascular epiphytes, including moss or lichen

Based on this, the classification of epiphytes are:

• Holo-epiphytes are epiphytes that finish their life span on other vegetation, such as orchids (shrubs or trees). As a result, they never touch the earth. Such epiphytes have unique features that allow organisms to cling to the host species and store moisture, nutrients, and minerals they need to survive.
• Hemi-epiphytes, except holo-epiphytes, will typically spend their entire lifecycle on the host species before eventually reaching the ground. These branches grow slowly and generate roots that pierce the earth to get the cluster. They may take water and many other minerals or nutrients from the ground through their roots as they have vascular tissue.
• Epiphytes such as Peperomia are Proto-epiphytes, meaning they rely on the host species for nutrition. They lack specific traits that permit certain epiphytes to be more self-sufficient from their mother plant. These categories could include certain epiphytic fungi.

How do epiphytes benefit our environment?

In the environment, epiphytes possess various advantages, including:

• Contributing to the canopies, which aids in soil erosion prevention and is also a part of the water cycle.
• Promoting total biomass and nutrient availability (particularly in forests).
• Offering some organisms/animals with a unique habitat.
• Being a food source for a variety of creatures.

Epiphytes – Food for Animals:

Epiphytes provide canopy variety and botanical biodiversity in various habitats by spreading atop other plants such as shrubs or trees. Different types of epiphytes bloom on different segments of the host plants, and they may be seen everywhere. In addition, they provide niche habitats for various creatures and even serve as a food source for some animals. 

The epiphytes that are used as food include:

• Liverworts with a poor nutritional value.
• Bryophytes, which may be harmful to a variety of animals.
• Mosses provide nutrition to Pikas, reindeer, and caribou.
• Hornworts are a food source for a variety of fish.
• Filmy ferns provide food for tiny animals such as rabbits and deer, as well as bugs and worms.

Conclusion:

Epiphytes are a type of organism that develops on the exterior of other vegetation. On the other hand, some epiphytes may be created on rocks or stones and a few other support surfaces. Epiphytes could well be found almost wherever that other vegetation grows. As a result, they may be found in various parts of the world. Epiphytes spread on other plants for practical support. They’re also described as air plants. Rather than the earth, they get their nutrition from rainfall or the air.