epiflora

Epiflora refers to the plant community that grows on the surface of other plants, rather than in the soil. This term is often used in the context of tropical rainforests, where the dense canopy layer is home to a diverse array of epiphytic plants. Epiphytes are plants that grow on other plants, typically without parasitizing them. They obtain moisture and nutrients from the air, rain, and sometimes from the host plant's surface. Epiphytes can include mosses, ferns, orchids, bromeliads, and other flowering plants. They play a crucial role in the ecosystem by providing habitat and food for various organisms, contributing to biodiversity, and influencing the microclimate of the rainforest. The study of epiflora is important for understanding the complex interactions within tropical ecosystems and the conservation of biodiversity.