lithophytism

Lithophytism is the plant growth habit in which individuals live and grow on rocks or in rock-fractured substrates, rather than in soil. Plants exhibiting this habit are called lithophytes, and they obtain moisture, nutrients, and nutrients from rain, dew, fog, wind-blown dust, and organic debris that accumulate in crevices and on rock surfaces.

Lithophytic growth occurs in diverse climates and settings, from alpine and desert environments to coastal cliffs and karst landscapes. Lithophytes can be epilithic, growing on the outer rock surfaces, or endolithic, occupying cracks, pores, or the interiors of rock fissures. These microhabitats offer varying levels of moisture, shade, and nutrient availability, shaping the distribution and form of lithophytic communities.

Adaptations typical of lithophytism include specialized root systems that anchor to mineral substrates, tolerance to drought and strong sunlight, and the capacity to exploit patchy moisture. Many lithophytes store water in leaves or stems (as in some succulents) or develop efficient uptake from sparse nutrients. Some rely on associations with symbiotic organisms, such as mycorrhizal fungi, to seed germination and nutrient acquisition. Growth forms range from small, slow-growing perennial plants to larger, clinging shrubs or herbaceous species.

Ecologically, lithophytism supports unique communities on rock faces and contributes to rock-face biodiversity and soil formation in crevices. In cultivation, lithophytes are prized in rock gardens and on artificial rock substrates, reflecting their adaptation to fragmented, low-nedient environments and their tolerance of exposed, well-drained conditions.

See also: epilithic, endolithic, lithophyte.