Those that dangle from trees, rocks and vertical supports are called epiphytes. Some rainforest trees have special characteristics which are signs of adaptation to their environment. In respect to this, what are the main characteristics of epiphytic plants? Adaptations to Air. © copyright 2003-2021 Study.com. In this essay, we will discuss how they adapt over time. Epiphytes are adapted to the rainforest in two ways. Epiphyte is one of the subdivisions of the Raunkiær system. Epiphytes take advantage of other plants structures as physical support to grow into the shaded forest canopy, using the trunks and branches of older trees to reach more height and catch the sunlight. Epiphytes are extremely common in tropical rainforests. Incessant rainfall in rainforests is the norm. What does the red light mean on a Mitsubishi TV? Such an adaptation prevents the growth of algae on the leaves which would otherwise block sunlight and reduce the ability of plants to perform photosynthesis. What cars have the most expensive catalytic converters? There are over 20,000 species of orchid, most of which are epiphytes. Other epiphytes are able to collect water in their leaves, enabling them to have a supply of water during dry periods of time. Orchids, bromeliads, and mosses are common epiphytes. Epiphytes Adaptations 1. Structure of the vegetation: Epiphytes — a cost effective method in struggle for light • adaptations to epiphytic condition — the problem of obtaining and storing water “trash baskets” & aerial roots - staghorn ferns (above) and Araceae (right) Succulence & CAM photosynthesis - Cactaceae Tropical Rainforest … Host trees provide support, allowing epiphyte plants to obtain air and sunlight high above the forest floor. Air plants have a further adaptation in their epiphytic nature by developing trichomes on their leaves. These are plants that grow in the soil. The important features are listed below: Morphological Features: (i) Root system: In the epiphytic vascular plants, the root system is extensively developed. They can absorb water via their roots, or in the cases of some species through the specialized hairs on the surfaces of leaves that have adapted to take in moisture. In the process of hydrological and nutrient cycles of a forest system, epiphytes are the vital contributor ( Benzing, 1998 ) since they engage and hold nutrients from the surrounding ( Benzing, 1990 ). There are 1814 species in the Bromeliad family that are epiphytes (these include the 650 species from the Tillandsias). Asked By: Sian Keetelaar | Last Updated: 5th June, 2020. Adaptations of epiphytes help them grow in the area where the ground is populated by many plants. Geography: Topic 8 - Taiga and Rainforests (Plant Adaptations (Epiphytes… Geography: Topic 8 - Taiga and Rainforests. Epiphyte species make good houseplants due to their minimal water and soil requirements. Many lianas start life in the rainforest canopy and send roots down to the ground. Drip tips - plants have leaves with pointy tips. … How are Plants Adapted to the Rainforest? Services, Working Scholars® Bringing Tuition-Free College to the Community. Many species, like the orchids, have developed structures to … Epiphytes (Epi = above, phyton = plant; i.e., plant growing upon plant) are those autotrophic plants which grow on the surface of some other supporting plants and are not permanently rooted in the soil Orchids, Bo tree (Pipal tree), some algae, lichens and mosses are some of the familiar examples. - Definition, Plants & Animals, Temperate Deciduous Forests: Climate & Examples, Cactus Lesson for Kids: Facts & Adaptations, Adaptation of Plants in an Aquatic Habitat, Taiga Biome: Animals, Plants, Climate & Locations, Tropical Rainforest Producers and Consumers, Tundra Biome: Climate, Locations, Plants & Animals, Venus Flytrap Adaptations: Lesson for Kids, Desert Animal Adaptations: Lesson for Kids, Environment & Humanity for Teachers: Professional Development, Environmental Science Lesson Plans & Activities, CSET Social Science Subtest I (114): Practice & Study Guide, High School Marketing for Teachers: Help & Review, CAHSEE English Exam: Test Prep & Study Guide, Humanities Survey for Teachers: Professional Development, Algebra for Teachers: Professional Development, Organizational Behavior Syllabus Resource & Lesson Plans, Principles of Marketing Syllabus Resource & Lesson Plans, Human Resource Management Syllabus Resource & Lesson Plans, Business Ethics Syllabus Resource & Lesson Plans, Algebra I Curriculum Resource & Lesson Plans, Algebra II Curriculum Resource & Lesson Plans, Western Civilization II Syllabus Resource & Lesson Plans, US History: Curriculum Resource & Lesson Plans, Instructional Strategies for Teachers: Help & Review, Nutrition 101 Curriculum Resource & Lesson Plans, NMTA Essential Academic Skills Subtest Math (003): Practice & Study Guide, Ohio Assessments for Educators - Physics (035): Practice & Study Guide, Biological and Biomedical