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Epiphytic Plants: Perspective on Their Diversity, Distribution, Systematics and Conservation in the Changing Environment

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A special issue of Plants (ISSN 2223-7747). This special issue belongs to the section "Plant Systematics, Taxonomy, Nomenclature and Classification".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 March 2025) | Viewed by 10331

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Thorsten Krömer

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Guest Editor

Centro de Investigaciones Tropicales, Universidad Veracruzana, Veracruz 91090, Mexico
Interests: epiphytic plants; diversity; distribution; ecology; conservation and systematics

Dr. Sven Peter Batke

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Guest Editor

Biology Department, Edge Hill University, Ormskirk, UK
Interests: crop sciences; plant ecology; taxonomy and physiology; climate modelling and global change

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue dedicated to Epiphytic Plants invites outstanding contributions that delve into the intricate realm of these unique vascular flora, exploring aspects such as their diversity, distribution, ecology, systematics and conservation within the dynamic backdrop of our rapidly changing world. Epiphytic plants, captivating in their ability to flourish on other plants without parasitizing them, have fascinated botanists and ecologists, offering a trove of diversity, adaptations and ecological significance; however, many species are threatened by land-use change.

The collection of articles within this Special Issue aspires to present a well-balanced perspective on different aspects of epiphytic plants, welcoming a wide range of submissions from diverse geographical locations and taxonomic groups. In general, we would be interested in studies investigating the following: the patterns of diversity and restricted distribution (endemism) of vascular epiphytes; ecological interactions between species and their animal visitors; and ecophysiological strategies, functional traits and ecosystem functions. Of particular interest are articles that meticulously address the systematics of epiphytic plants, unravelling their evolutionary intricacies and taxonomic classifications in relation to their global distributions. Additionally, we encourage submissions shedding light on the conservation challenges faced by epiphytes, emanating from local, regional and global perturbations, and encompassing issues like climate change, deforestation and illicit harvesting.

Anticipating that this Special Issue will emerge as an invaluable resource, we extend an invitation to researchers, educators and conservation practitioners to contribute to this issue. Beyond contributing to the advancement of our understanding of these intricate organisms, we envisage that the issue will serve as a clarion call for collective efforts to safeguard these captivating plants amidst the ever-evolving environmental landscape.

Dr. Thorsten Krömer
Dr. Sven Peter Batke
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Plants is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

vascular epiphytes
conservation
diversity
distribution patterns
ecological interactions
ecophysiology
endemism
epiphytic communities
functional traits
systematics

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Published Papers (8 papers)

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Research

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25 pages, 7659 KiB

Open AccessArticle

From Phenotypes to Genotypes: Enhancing the Identification of Cymbidium Species with DNA Barcoding

by Yaonan Peng, Yao Chen, Hongfan Ding, Xiangdong Liu, Fuxiang Cao and Lu Xu

Plants 2025, 14(4), 619; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14040619 - 18 Feb 2025

Viewed by 492

Abstract

The genus Cymbidium, with its intricate floral elements, pronounced endemicity, and patchy distribution, evolves a rich diversity of morphological forms and a wide variety of species while causing an indistinctness in the classification of its species. To elucidate the phylogenetic relationships among Cymbidium species and enhance their taxonomic classification by DNA barcoding, this study conducted amplification and sequence results of nuclear (ITS) and chloroplast genes (matK, rbcL, trnL-F, psbA-trnH) with phenotypic genetic diversity analysis, genetic distance analysis, and phylogenetic analysis from 48 samples of Cymbidium species. The comparison of genetic distance variations showed that psbA-trnH, ITS + psbA-trnH, and ITS + matK + psbA-trnH exhibit minimal overlap and significant genetic variation within Cymbidium species. The phylogenetic analysis indicated that the combination, ITS + matK + psbA-trnH, has the highest identification rate. Notably, both the phylogenetic analysis and the genetic diversity analysis of phenotypic traits consistently indicated a clear divergence between epiphytic and terrestrial orchids, with epiphytic orchids forming a distinct clade. This provides reference evidence for studying the ecological adaptations and evolutionary differences between epiphytic and terrestrial orchids, as well as a scientific basis for the classification and identification, germplasm conservation, resource utilization, and phylogenetic evolution of orchids. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Epiphytic Plants: Perspective on Their Diversity, Distribution, Systematics and Conservation in the Changing Environment)

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16 pages, 4973 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Exploring Co-Occurrence Patterns to Understand Epiphyte–Liana Interactions

by Sergio J. Ceballos, Ezequiel Aráoz and Tobías Nicolás Rojas

Plants 2025, 14(1), 140; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14010140 - 6 Jan 2025

Viewed by 744

Abstract

Although epiphytes and lianas share the same habitat, most research has treated these two groups independently. This study aimed to evaluate the co-occurrence of vascular epiphytes and lianas in the subtropical montane forests of northwestern Argentina. We recorded epiphyte cover and liana basal area on trees ≥ 10-cm-dbh in 120 20 × 20 m plots in the Sierra de San Javier (Tucumán, Argentina). Of the 2111 trees sampled, 727 (34%) hosted lianas, and 1095 (52%) hosted epiphytes. Both plant groups were found together on 20% of the sampled trees. The species richness of lianas and epiphytes, along with liana basal area and epiphyte cover, increased with tree diameter and reached higher values in mature forests compared to successional forests. Both groups colonized the same canopy tree species with larger diameters, whereas smaller trees were typically colonized by either lianas or epiphytes, but not both. Epiphyte species were more likely to co-occur with liana species with specialized climbing mechanisms. Tree size and forest type (mature vs. successional) emerged as key factors influencing the co-occurrence of lianas and epiphytes in these forests. This study establishes a basis for future research into the interactions between lianas and epiphytes, seeking to determine whether they co-occur in the same habitats. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Epiphytic Plants: Perspective on Their Diversity, Distribution, Systematics and Conservation in the Changing Environment)

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13 pages, 6748 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Species Richness, Abundance, and Vertical Distribution of Epiphytic Bromeliads in Primary Forest and Disturbed Forest

by Sugeidi S. Siaz Torres, Edilia de la Rosa-Manzano, Leonardo U. Arellano-Méndez, Karla M. Aguilar-Dorantes, José Guadalupe Martínez Ávalos and María Cruz Juárez Aragón

Plants 2024, 13(19), 2754; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13192754 - 30 Sep 2024

Viewed by 1686

Abstract

Epiphytes represent a key component in tropical forests. They are affected by anthropogenic and natural disturbances suffered by forests, since they depend on their hosts and the microclimatic conditions they generate. We analyzed differences in abundance, species richness, and vertical distributions of epiphytic bromeliads in primary and disturbed forests. We found a higher abundance (5316 individuals) and species richness (8 species) of bromeliads in disturbed forest than in primary forest (1360 individuals and 4 species, respectively). Most bromeliads (97%) were found on Taxodium mucronatum, a dominant tree with rough bark in the disturbed forest (gallery forest). Bromeliads were more abundant in the middle of the tree and diminished towards the trunk base and the upper crown. Tillandsia baileyi was the most abundant bromeliad, and the size categories of this species differentially colonize trees in gallery forest according to Johansson zones; seedlings of T. baileyi abundantly colonize the upper canopy, and juveniles colonize the middle canopy or secondary branches. Gallery forest represents an important reservoir for epiphytic bromeliads. Hence, it is important to extend this kind of study to wetland sites to understand the role they play as a habitat for epiphytes, as well as the dynamics and ecological processes that occur in such habitats. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Epiphytic Plants: Perspective on Their Diversity, Distribution, Systematics and Conservation in the Changing Environment)

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18 pages, 3637 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Diverging Elevational Patterns of Tree vs. Epiphyte Species Density, Beta Diversity, and Biomass in a Tropical Dry Forest

by Florian A. Werner and Jürgen Homeier

Plants 2024, 13(18), 2555; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13182555 - 11 Sep 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1331

Abstract

There is evidence to suggest that vascular epiphytes experience low competition for resources (light, water, and nutrients) compared to terrestrial plants. We tested the hypothesis that low resource competition may lead to higher nestedness among vascular epiphyte assemblages compared to trees. We studied the species composition and biomass of epiphytes and trees along an elevation gradient in a tropical dry forest in SW Ecuador. Both life-forms were inventoried on 25 plots of 400 m² across five elevation levels (550–1250 m). Tree species density and total species richness increased with elevation, whereas basal area and biomass did not show significant trends. Epiphyte species density and richness both increased strongly with elevation, in parallel to biomass. Plot-level compositional changes were similarly strong for both life-forms. We attribute elevational increases in the species richness of trees and epiphytes to increasing humidity, i.e., more mesic growth conditions. We attribute the more pronounced elevational increase in epiphyte biomass, species density, and richness—the latter coupled with a higher degree of nestedness—to the greater moisture dependency of epiphytes and relatively low direct competition for resources. Our study provides a first comparison of elevational trends in epiphyte and tree diversity and biomass for a tropical dry forest. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Epiphytic Plants: Perspective on Their Diversity, Distribution, Systematics and Conservation in the Changing Environment)

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14 pages, 7080 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of Changing Climate on an Endangered Epiphytic Orchid (Pleione formosana) in a Montane Cloud Forest and the Conservation Challenge Ahead

by Rebecca C.-C. Hsu, Yi-Chiann Chen and Chienyu Lin

Plants 2024, 13(17), 2414; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13172414 - 29 Aug 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 956

Abstract

Pleione formosana Hayata is an endemic orchid that was once widely distributed across the mid-elevations of Taiwan. However, populations of this orchid have steadily shrunk due to orchid poaching in most of its habitats. By correlating data from micrometeorological stations that we installed in the cloud forest canopy at the study site, Yuanyang Lake (YYL) from 2017, we discovered the critical role of spring rainfall in triggering flowering and summer rainfall in promoting the growth of new bulbs. We found that rising temperatures and frequent drought events threaten orchid growth, potentially leading to pathogen infections. We climbed old-growth yellow cypresses to collect seed capsules of P. formosana for in vitro germination at YYL beginning in the autumn of 2018. Orchid plantlets were reintroduced to the study site in mid-August of 2022. However, the seedlings failed to survive the summer of 2023. This study is the first persistent monitoring of this rare orchid in the forest canopy of this old-growth cloud forest. Based on the result, we propose conservation strategies and directions for protecting this orchid on a regional scale. Our study highlights the mounting challenge to conservation efforts posed by global climate change. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Epiphytic Plants: Perspective on Their Diversity, Distribution, Systematics and Conservation in the Changing Environment)

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18 pages, 9522 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Variation in the Floral Morphology of Prosthechea karwinskii (Orchidaceae), a Mexican Endemic Orchid at Risk

by María Hipólita Santos-Escamilla, Gabriela Cruz-Lustre, Manuel Cuéllar-Martínez, Luicita Lagunez-Rivera and Rodolfo Solano

Plants 2024, 13(14), 1984; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13141984 - 20 Jul 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1560

Abstract

Prosthechea karwinskii is an orchid endemic to Mexico, threatened by the destruction of its habitat and the extraction of specimens to meet its demand for ornamental and religious use. Most of its populations, including the most locally abundant ones, are found in Oaxaca state. Variations in some floral traits have been observed in these populations. We implemented a morphometric analysis to assess their floral variation and identify the most significant characters in the morphological patterns of this orchid. Floral samples were collected from 17 populations of P. karwinskii in Oaxaca, as well as from specimens used as ornaments during Easter in an Oaxacan community (Zaachila), whose origin is unknown. Sampling of natural populations covered the environmental, geographic, and morphological variation of the species. We performed an analysis of variance (ANOVA), principal component analysis (PCA), canonical variate analysis (CVA), and cluster analysis, including 185 individuals and 45 variables (12 of them were discarded in the multivariate analyses due to high correlation). Characters of the column, lateral sepal, and labellum were most informative for the observed morphological patterns. Albarradas showed the greatest morphological differentiation, mainly due to the column. In general, individuals from the same locality tended to overlap more, especially the populations of Jaltianguis and Yahuiche, which were different from the geographically close population of Etla. Teposcolula presented the highest values in perianth characters, unlike Sola_Rancho Viejo. The specimens recovered from religious ornaments were morphologically more similar to those from Yanhuitlan and Etla. This morphometric analysis identified characters as potential taxonomic markers for P. karwinskii and related species, showing its potential to associate specimens of unknown origin with their probable geographical region. Our work encourages working on collaborative conservation strategies to ensure the long-term permanence of both the species and its traditional uses. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Epiphytic Plants: Perspective on Their Diversity, Distribution, Systematics and Conservation in the Changing Environment)

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14 pages, 7155 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Field Work in Papua New Guinea Documents Seven New Records of a Hemiepiphytic Habit in Ferns

by Michael Sundue and Heveakore Maraia

Plants 2024, 13(8), 1104; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13081104 - 15 Apr 2024

Viewed by 1510

Abstract

Hemiepiphytes have captured the attention of biologists since they seemingly hold clues to the evolution of epiphytes themselves. Hemiepiphytes are known to occur sporadically in the leptosporangiate ferns, but our understanding of their evolution remains limited by the relatively small number of detailed observations. This study adds to our knowledge by documenting seven species previously assumed to be holoepiphytes. This finding was based on fieldwork conducted in the Baining Mountains of Papua New Guinea that resulted in 319 collections representing 206 species. Approximately 3% of these species were hemiepiphytes: Asplenium acrobryum, A. amboinense, A. scandens, A. scolpendropsis, Crepidomanes aphlebioides, Leptochilus macrophyllus, and Sphaerostephanos scandens. All started growth as low-trunk epiphytes, and later, as larger climbing plants, exhibited strongly dimorphic roots consisting of short clasping ones that affixed the rhizome to the trunks and long feeding roots that entered the soil. Most of the seven hemiepiphyte species that we found exhibited distichous phyllotaxy and dorsiventrally flattened rhizomes, suggesting morphological convergence associated with this habit in four families. These new records suggest that large hemiepiphytic clades occur in Asplenium and Leptochilus. Our observations expand the geographic and taxonomic breadth of hemiepiphytic ferns, provide a baseline estimate of their diversity within a tropical flora, and offer morphological and phylogenetic clues to uncover additional records. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Epiphytic Plants: Perspective on Their Diversity, Distribution, Systematics and Conservation in the Changing Environment)

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Review

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41 pages, 10191 KiB

Open AccessReview

Impact of Land-Use Change on Vascular Epiphytes: A Review

by Thorsten Krömer, Helena J. R. Einzmann, Glenda Mendieta-Leiva and Gerhard Zotz

Plants 2025, 14(8), 1188; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14081188 - 11 Apr 2025

Viewed by 234

Abstract

Human-caused habitat conversion, degradation, and climate change threaten global biodiversity, particularly in tropical forests where vascular epiphytes—non-parasitic plants growing on other plants—may be especially vulnerable. Epiphytes play vital ecological roles, in nutrient cycling and by providing habitat, but are disproportionately affected by land-use changes due to their reliance on host trees and specific microclimatic conditions. While tree species in secondary forests recover relatively quickly, epiphyte recolonization is slower, especially in humid montane regions, where species richness may decline by up to 96% compared to primary or old-growth forests. A review of nearly 300 pertinent studies has revealed a geographic bias toward the Neotropics, with limited research from tropical Asia, Africa, and temperate regions. The studies can be grouped into four main areas: 1. trade, use and conservation, 2. ecological effects of climate and land-use change, 3. diversity in human-modified habitats, and 4. responses to disturbance. In agricultural and timber plantations, particularly those using exotic species like pine and eucalyptus, epiphyte diversity is significantly reduced. In contrast, most native tree species and shade-grown agroforestry systems support higher species richness. Traditional polycultures with dense canopy cover maintain up to 88% of epiphyte diversity, while intensive management practices, such as epiphyte removal in coffee and cacao plantations, cause substantial biodiversity losses. Conservation strategies should prioritize preserving old-growth forests, maintaining forest fragments, and minimizing intensive land management. Active restoration, including the translocation of fallen epiphytes and planting vegetation nuclei, is more effective than passive approaches. Future research should include long-term monitoring to understand epiphyte dynamics and assess the broader impacts of epiphyte loss on biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Epiphytic Plants: Perspective on Their Diversity, Distribution, Systematics and Conservation in the Changing Environment)

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