AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Epiphytes are known as “air plants” because they are not anchored in the soil. Epiphytes derive nutrients from rainwater, air and from other sources. There are many adaptations present in the epiphytes to get nutrients and survive. Epiphytes are found on branches, leaves, trunk and other surfaces of plants.

Detailed explanation-2: -Epiphytes or ‘air plants’ are plants that grow on top of other plants (typically trees) co-existing in the most harmonious, harmless way. They derive their nutrients and other vitals from the air, water, dust, and debris around them.

Detailed explanation-3: -The term epiphytic derives from the Greek epi-(meaning ‘upon’) and phyton (meaning ‘plant’). Epiphytic plants are sometimes called “air plants” because they do not root in soil.

Detailed explanation-4: -Some of the better-known epiphytes include ferns, lichens, mosses, cacti, bromeliads (over 2, 000 species), and orchids. Orchids are the most diverse group of flowering plants with over 18, 000 species, representing about 8 percent of all flowering plants found worldwide.

Detailed explanation-5: -Air plants are a variety of Epiphytes, meaning they need no soil to develop. They actually do call for a platform to commence growing. These plants are not parasitic and use their host for a method of support. The plant receives its nutrition within the moisture and dirt fibers drifting in the air.