Epiphytes

Most vascular epiphytes are from the particularly species-rich orchid family (Orchidaceae), with about 70% of Orchidaceae species being epiphytes.

However, the understanding of the molecular regulation of CAM photosynthesis in epiphytes remains elusive.

Epiphytes can have a significant effect on the microenvironment of their host, and of ecosystems where they are abundant, as they hold water in the canopy and decrease water input to the soil.

In fact, about one third of all ferns are epiphytes.

In some Epiphytes - plants living above the surface on other plants, aerial roots serve for reaching to water sources or reaching the surface, and then functioning as regular surface roots.

In tropical regions, other cacti grow as forest climbers and epiphytes (plants that grow on trees).

Some epiphytes are also present (e.g. Myrmecodia ).

The pseudobulb of Prosthechea fragrans The base of the stem of sympodial epiphytes, or in some species essentially the entire stem, may be thickened to form a pseudobulb that contains nutrients and water for drier periods.