Brazilian
Epiphyte
Network
Brazilian Epiphyte Network (Epi-Br)
Foto: Mariana Murakami
The Brazilian Epiphyte Network (Epi-Br) brings together researchers interested in expanding knowledge about epiphytes, promoting collaboration, scientific meetings, and the dissemination of research to strengthen this field and attract new talent.
Foto: Mariana Murakami
What are epiphytes?
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They are plants (and lichens!) that grow on other plants, such as trees, using them only as support.
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Without extracting nutrients directly from the host
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Without parasitizing it
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And without having contact with the ground
Main Groups of Epiphytes
Epiphytes are found across different biological groups and exhibit remarkable diversity in form and adaptations to life in the canopy.
See below the main groups of epiphytes:
Bryophytes
Mosses and liverworts are common epiphytes in moist forests, where they contribute to water balance and nutrient retention in the canopy.
Bromeliaceae
Many epiphytic bromeliads form water tanks between their leaves, creating essential microhabitats for arboreal fauna in Neotropical forests.
Lichens
They grow on bark and branches and are important environmental indicators. Many lichen species occur as epiphytes in different forest formations.
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Orchidaceae
With thousands of epiphytic species, orchids stand out for their diversity and their specialised adaptations to life on trees.
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Polypodiaceae
Epiphytic ferns are common across several families, but Polypodiaceae is the most representative in Brazilian forests.
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Foto: Ana Cruz