A new research article titled "Evaluating factors that predict the structure of a commensalistic epiphyte–phorophyte network" by Sayago and colleagues has once again highlighted the importance of large host trees for epiphyte populations.
Many authors have found this relationship and it is usually attributed to three key factors: (1) a greater number of potential habitats provided by large trees than small trees, (2) the lifespan of larger trees providing more time for humus to accumulate and epiphytes to establish, and (3) the better access to light and water in large trees than small trees.
This relationship gives us another reason to conserve old-growth forest and large trees. Did you know that large trees in west coast forests of the South Island of NZ have been found to host up to 28 vascular species? Dickinson, Mark & Dawkins set this record in 1993 for a 26 metre tall, kahikatea that was 1.45 metres in diameter.
In the kauri forest of Waipoua it is only the really large trees that host epiphytes, as shown in the photo below.
Many authors have found this relationship and it is usually attributed to three key factors: (1) a greater number of potential habitats provided by large trees than small trees, (2) the lifespan of larger trees providing more time for humus to accumulate and epiphytes to establish, and (3) the better access to light and water in large trees than small trees.
This relationship gives us another reason to conserve old-growth forest and large trees. Did you know that large trees in west coast forests of the South Island of NZ have been found to host up to 28 vascular species? Dickinson, Mark & Dawkins set this record in 1993 for a 26 metre tall, kahikatea that was 1.45 metres in diameter.
In the kauri forest of Waipoua it is only the really large trees that host epiphytes, as shown in the photo below.
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