Encyclopedia > Epiphyte

  Article Content

Epiphyte

An epiphyte or "air plant" is a plant that does not root in the soil but grows upon another living plant. An epiphyte uses photosynthesis for energy and draws moisture from the air or from dampness on the surface of its host. It is thus not a parasite, as it is independent of the other plant except for physical support. However, epiphytes may grow so thickly as to damage the host plant.

The best-known epiphytes are orchids and bromeliads, such as Spanish moss and Tillandsia. They are most abundant in the moist tropics.


The fictitious company Epiphyte is prominent in Neal Stephenson's novel Cryptonomicon.



All Wikipedia text is available under the terms of the GNU Free Documentation License

 
  Search Encyclopedia

Search over one million articles, find something about almost anything!
 
 
  
  Featured Article
Kings Park, New York

... County, New York. As of the 2000 census, the town had a total population of 16,146. Geography Kings Park is located at 40°53'19" North, 73°14'33" West ...

 
 
 
This page was created in 25.9 ms