What is an epiphyte?
Q: What is an epiphyte?
A: An epiphyte is a plant which grows on another plant, without being a parasite. It gets its moisture and nutrients from the air and rain, and sometimes from debris accumulating around it.
Q: Are most epiphytes flowering plants?
A: Yes, most epiphytes (89%) are flowering plants.
Q: Are there aquatic epiphytes?
A: Yes, there are many aquatic epiphytes as well.
Q: Do epiphytes use photosynthesis to get energy?
A: Yes, usually they have adapted their leaves to be able to capture rainwater (and moisture from the air) if they are not aquatic and use photosynthesis to get energy.
Q: Are parasitic or semi-parasitic plants considered true epiphytes?
A: No, parasitic and semi-parasitic plants like the mistletoe are not true epiphytes.
Q: What types of organisms can be considered as an epiphyte besides plants?
A: Besides plants, bacteria, fungi, lichens and mosses can also be considered as an epiphtye.
Q: How do certain frogs benefit from living in the water reservoir of an epiphtye?
A: Certain frogs live in the water reservoir of an Epiphtye which provides them with food sources such as insects that land on it or small animals that live among its roots or branches.
