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Which tropical rainforest plants grow as epiphytes?
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Tropical rainforest
Rainforest vegetation grows along the northern coast of Ecuador.
In tropical rainforests, epiphytes are plants that grow on other objects or plants for physical support rather than nourishment, allowing them to access sunlight in the dense canopy. They are not parasitic and do not rely on the host for nutrients.12
Common tropical rainforest epiphytes include:
- Angiosperms: The majority of epiphytic species are flowering plants, most notably many varieties of orchids and members of the Bromeliaceae family, such as tillandsias.2
- Non-flowering plants: Ferns, mosses, and liverworts are also frequently found growing as epiphytes in these environments.12
These plants have adapted to obtain water and nutrients from rain, air moisture, and organic debris that accumulates on their host plants.12
Are you interested in learning more about how these plants disperse their seeds or how they capture moisture?