Epifytische

Epifytische refers to a growth habit where plants, known as epiphytes, grow on other plants. These plants are not parasitic; they use their host for physical support rather than drawing nutrients or water from it. Epiphytes typically anchor themselves to branches, tree trunks, or rock surfaces using specialized roots or adhesive structures. They obtain water and nutrients from the air, rainwater, dust, and organic debris that accumulates around them. This ecological strategy is common in environments where soil is scarce or nutrients are limited, such as tropical rainforests and humid temperate forests.

The term "epifytische" describes this characteristic of being an epiphyte. Many familiar plants exhibit epifytische growth, including orchids, bromeliads, ferns, mosses, and lichens. These plants have adapted unique mechanisms to survive and thrive in their elevated habitats. For instance, many epiphytic orchids have aerial roots covered in velamen, a spongy tissue that absorbs atmospheric moisture. Bromeliads often form rosettes that collect rainwater and organic matter, creating a micro-ecosystem within their leaves. The distribution and diversity of epifytische plants are strongly influenced by humidity, light availability, and the presence of suitable host plants.