Britannica
Sources used in this answer
Which Ericaceae plants grow as lianas or epiphytes in tropical mountains?
Created from Britannica articles
using AI.
AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
Ericales
Flowering rhododendron.
Within the Ericaceae family, many genera related to Vaccinium have evolved to grow as lianas or epiphytes in the montane tropics. These plants often feature thick leaves and swollen stem bases, adaptations suited to their environment. Some of these Vaccinium relatives are specifically noted for having seeds with a mucilaginous covering, which facilitates their growth as epiphytes or epilithic plants (growing on rocks).1