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Epiphyte is a plant that grows on other plants. It is also called "air plants" since they are not rooted in the soil. Rainwater, air, and other sources provide nutrients to epiphytes.
- Epiphytes can be found on plant branches, leaves, trunks, and other surfaces.
- They attach themselves to a tree but do not obtain water or other nutrients from it directly.
- Epiphytes are very common in rainforests.
- Most epiphytes can be found in tropical areas.
- They can grow above ground level to access sunlight in densely-shaded forests, exploiting the nutrients from leaves, along with organic debris collected in the tree canopy.
The majority of epiphytic plants are Angiosperms (i.e. flowering plants). It includes numerous species of Orchids, Tillandsias, and members of the pineapple family (i.e. Bromeliaceae). A majority of these plants have large, cup-like leaves which enable them to catch and collect rainwater.
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Key Terms: Epiphytes, Parasites, Commensalism, Blood parasitism, Parasitism, Ferns, Bromeliads, Mutualism, Camouflage
What are Epiphytes?
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An epiphyte is a plant that grows on the leaves of other plants to obtain nutrients and survive. Epiphytes have developed a variety of adaptations.
- Epiphytes primarily rely on other plants for physical support while also preparing their own food.
- Epiphytes also gather water via vapour in the air.
- Thus, the appropriate habitat for Epiphytes is Humid Rainforest.
- Even though these plants do not grow in dirt, they have roots that help absorb nutrients, minerals and water.
Epiphytes
- They get enough light by living in the tree.
- Epiphytes obtain water from rainwater dripping down from branches and nutrients washed out of leaves during rainfall.
- Epiphytes get their nutrients from dead and decaying plant parts on the surface.
- The term for this type of biological interaction is called commensalism.
In the case of commensalism, one of the species benefits while the other is neither benefited nor harmed. They rarely cause harm to their hosts. However, some epiphytes compete with their hosts for light and nutrients, causing them to suffer.
Check More: Morphology of Flowering Plants
Characteristics of Epiphytes
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Given below are some of the features of epiphytes:
- Growth Environment: These plants can be found in both temperate and tropical climates. Because such areas are dense, there is competition for the necessary sunlight and water for growth. As a result, larger trees provide adequate support for these plants' growth.
- Epiphytic Roots: Epiphytes have aerial roots that do not grow in soil. They anchor their roots to the larger rainforest trees because they rely on them. Different plants use these roots for different purposes. While some absorb water from the host tree, others absorb moisture from the environment. It depicts an epiphyte clinging to a larger tree.
- Seed Dispersal: The adaptations of epiphytes have made them remarkably dependent on wind for seed dispersal. They have winged or feathery seeds that can easily travel to distant locations via air. Animals, among other things, aid in seed dispersal by feeding on fruit-bearing epiphytes.
- Enriching Ecosystem: The epiphytic plants contribute to a more enriched environment in the forests. They create newer habitats for other species to breed and feed on. Some plants, for example, have upturned leaves that can store massive amounts of water. Other animals frequently use such areas for breeding and shelter.
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Difference between Epiphytes and Parasites
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Some of the differences between Epiphytes and Parasites include:
| Basis of Difference | Epiphytes | Parasites |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Epiphytes grow on other plants. | Parasites live on other plants. |
| Nutrients | Epiphytes do not derive food from host plants. | Parasites feed on host plants and are entirely dependent on them. |
| Effect | Epiphytes do not harm the host plant, but in some instances, they might kill it. | Parasites harm their host plants. |
| Support | Epiphytes do not depend on host plants for metabolic activities. | Parasites depend on the host plant for metabolic activities. |
| Dependence | Epiphytes depend on the host tree for physical growth. | Parasites do not depend on host plants for physical growth. |
Similarities Between Parasites and Epiphytes
Among the very few similarities between parasites and epiphytes, here are some:
- Both parasitic and epiphytic plants are known to depend on hosts to support their living.
- Both require a host for physical support.
Types of Epiphytes
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Epiphytes are categorically divided into two types:
Terrestrial Epiphytes
Terrestrial epiphytes grow in terrestrial environments like mosses, orchids, and more. The majority of terrestrial epiphytes are flowering plants. They can be further divided into:
- Proto-epiphyte: They are completely reliant on the host for nutrition. Except for aerial roots, such as Peperomia, they lack adaptive characteristics.
- Holo-epiphyte: An epiphyte that completes its life cycle on the host plant rather than on the ground, such as orchids.
- Hemi-epiphyte: An epiphyte, which later in its life, reaches the ground. Its root develops and makes contact with the ground, e.g. Strangler fig
Marine Ecosystem
Marine epiphytes are different from terrestrial ecosystems. Marine epiphytes comprise species such as algae, bacteria, fungi, protozoa, molluscs, and more. Algae fall among the most common type of marine ecosystems. Epiphytes in marine systems typically grow quickly as opposed to terrestrial epiphytes.
Also Read: Taxonomic Hierarchy of Plants and Animals
Examples of Epiphytes
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Epiphytes are members of plant families, such as Bromeliaceae and Orchidaceae. Some epiphytes examples are:
- Epiphytic Orchids: Orchids come in a variety of shapes, patterns, colours, and sizes. They are the most massive flowering plants. Except for Antarctica, they can be found anywhere; for example, orchids can be found as an epiphyte on a mango branch.
- Ferns: Ferns can be found in moist areas. Asplenium and Platycerium are epiphytic ferns.
- Bromeliads: Bromeliads are well-known Bromeliaceae family epiphytes. The leaves of many bromeliads overlap each other to store rainwater. Trichomes collect water in Tillandsia.
- Epiphytic Cacti: Epiphytic cacti are found in tropical rainforests. They use their roots to anchor tree branches and collect organic decomposed water.
What is a Parasite?
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A parasite is a plant or an animal which lives on, with, or within a larger species to obtain nutritional elements for survival. In some cases, parasites might harm their host. However, they are generally harmless. The various types of parasites include:
- Ectoparasites: These parasites survive outside of their host.
- Endoparasites: These parasites stay in the body (Bloodstreams, muscles, and more) of their host.
- Mesoparasites: These parasites go into the host from an opening in the body, implanting themselves partially.
Parasitic Symbiosis and Mutualism
In parasitic symbiosis, Symbiosis is a long-term connection between two diverse species. When each species obtain an advantage in exchange, it is termed Mutualism.
- The bigger organism, in Symbiotic Relation, is the host.
- It is because the smaller organism depends on the larger one.
- Thus, the smaller organism is known as the symbiont.
- Mutualism is the symbiotic relationship wherein both species mutually benefit from one another.
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Things to Remember
- A plant that grows on the leaves of other plants is known as an epiphyte.
- Epiphytes get their nutrients from rainwater, air, and other sources.
- Epiphytes are primarily dependent on other plants for physical support, but they prepare their own food.
- Epiphytes obtain water from rainwater dripping from branches and nutrients washed out of leaves during rain.
- The nutrients that epiphytes obtain come from dead and decaying plant parts on the surface. This type of biological interaction is known as commensalism.
Previous Years Questions
- A person likely to develop tetanus is immunized by….[NEET 2009]
- Epiphytic roots absorb moisture … [AIIMS 1999]
- An orchid growing as an epiphyte … [KEAM]
- A person suffering from a disease caused by Plasmodium...[NEET 2010]
- The infectious stage of Plasmodium that enters the human body… [NEET 2020]
- In higher vertebrates, the immune system can distinguish….[NEET 2016]
- Which of the following is a pair of viral diseases?...[NEET 2009]
- In which disease does mosquito-transmitted...[NEET 2018]
- Antibodies in our body are complex..[NEET 2006]
- Antigens are present...[NEET 1995]
Sample Questions
Ques. Give some examples of Epiphytes. (1 mark)
Ans: Some of the Epiphyte examples are Orchids, Ferns and Epiphytic cacti.
Ques. Define Parasite. (1 mark)
Ans: A parasite can be expressed as a plant or an animal that lives on, with, or within a larger species to acquire nutritional elements for survival.
Ques. Explain Commensalism and Parasitism. (2 marks)
Ans: The association of organisms of different species in which one species benefits but does not appear to harm the other is known as commensalism. For example, bacteria Escherichia coli are found in the human large intestine and aid in digestion.
Parasitism is an association in which one organism lives on or in the body of another, obtaining food from it. Human parasites, for example, include fleas and lice, as well as various bacteria, protozoans, and fungi.
Ques. Explain Camouflage and Mutualism. (2 marks)
Ans: Camouflage is defined as a high degree of similarity between an animal and its visual environment, allowing it to be disguised or concealed. Under certain conditions, for example, birds with contrasting coloured necks and heads are difficult to identify.
Mutualism is a relationship between two organisms of different species in which both partners benefit. Because many plants are self-sterile, cross-fertilization or pollination of plant flowers by insects (sometimes by birds) is a common and important mutual relationship.
Ques. What are epiphytes and how are they different from parasites? How do epiphytes absorb moisture without having roots in the soil? (3 marks)
Ans: Epiphytes are plants that reside on other plants and feed on them. Although they do not obtain nutrition from those plants or trees, they do rely on them for physical support. The primary distinction between epiphytic and parasitic plants is their mode of life. While the former does not obtain nutrients from the host plant, the latter does so from the organism on which it feeds.
Since epiphytes do not grow in soil, they may lack roots. They do, however, require water for photosynthesis. Because rainforests are humid, plants may be able to absorb water from the air. Many epiphytes, on the other hand, have evolved modified leaves or other structures for harvesting water, fog, or dew.
Ques. How to grow epiphytes? Also, Define ecto and endo parasites. (3 marks)
Ans: The plant is attached to a wooden board or a piece of cork. Because the plants absorb a lot of moisture from the air, keep them in a bathroom with moderate lighting and access to shower steam. The bromeliad is another popular epiphyte. These plants are grown in soil that is well-drained.
Ectoparasites are parasites that feed on the host organism's external surface. The most well-known members of this group are lice on humans and ticks on dogs. Endoparasites are parasites that live inside the host body at various locations (liver, kidney, lungs, red blood cells, etc). "An endoparasite is the human liver fluke (a trematode parasite).
Ques. What is brood parasitism? The animal parasite has evolved certain adaptations while living in and on the host species. Give examples of these adaptations. (3 marks)
Answer: Brood parasitism in birds is an intriguing example of parasitism in which the parasitic bird lays its eggs in the host's nest and allows the host to incubate them. To reduce the chances of the host bird detecting the foreign eggs and ejecting them from the nest, the parasitic bird's eggs have evolved to resemble the host's egg in size and colour.
Parasites evolved special adaptations to their lifestyles, such as the loss of unnecessary sense organs, the presence of adhesive organs or suckers to cling to the host, the loss of the digestive system, and a high reproductive capacity. Parasite life cycles are frequently complicated, involving one or two intermediate hosts or vectors to facilitate the parasitisation of the primary host.
Ques. On a mango tree branch, an orchid plant is growing. How can you describe the interaction between the orchid and the mango tree? (3 marks)
Ans: An orchid plant growing on a mango tree branch is an epiphyte, which are plants that grow on other plants or trees. This type of interaction is known as commensalism, in which the orchid benefits from the interaction while the mango tree is unaffected. The orchid growing on the mango tree branch receives more light to grow, and the mango tree is not harmed in any way.
Commensalism is defined as an interaction between two animal or plant species that live together on a regular basis in which one species benefits from the association while the other is unaffected.
Ques. What sources of energy do epiphytes have? How do epiphytic plants absorb water? Provide one example of an epiphytic plant. (3 marks)
Ans: Epiphytes attach to trees, rocks, and other items but do not consume their energy, water, or nutrients. Epiphytes, on the other hand, generate their own energy through photosynthesis and obtain their water and nutrients from the air, rain, and dust and organic debris that builds around them.
Water is obtained by epiphytes from rain and water vapour in the air; most absorb water through their roots, though many have specialized leaves that absorb moisture as well. While some minerals are taken directly from rain, most nutrients are absorbed from the debris that accumulates on the supporting plants.
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