lithophyte

A lithophyte is a plant that grows on rocks or in other rocky habitats where soils are scarce or absent. Lithophytes obtain most of their water and nutrients from rain, dew, dust, and humus that accumulates in rock crevices, and they may form communities on cliff faces, ledges, and limestone outcrops. The term covers a range of plants from bryophytes and ferns to many flowering plants, including some orchids and succulents, which have adapted to rocky substrates.

Adaptations common to lithophytes include roots that anchor into crevices and penetrate the rock surface, leaves or tissues adapted to minimize water loss, and the ability to use intermittent moisture from rain or fog. Some lithophytes are epilithic, living on the surface of rocks, while others grow in protected crevices or even under overhangs. Mycorrhizal associations and efficient nutrient uptake from sparse substrates often support their survival in bare rock environments.

Distribution and habitats of lithophytes are broad, occurring in temperate and tropical regions. They are especially common in mountains, coastal cliffs, karst landscapes, and desert pavements where rock is abundant. The diversity of lithophytes reflects a range of life forms, including mosses and liverworts, ferns, and various seed plants that have adapted to rocky niches.

In cultivation, lithophytes are grown on well-drained rock-like media such as pumice, coarse sand, or crushed stone, with good air circulation and bright light. They typically require less frequent watering than soil-rooted plants and should be allowed to dry between waterings; fertilization is usually light.