The Plant You Don’t Have To Water

Epiphytes, or 'plants on plants,' have evolved to absorb water from the air, allowing them to thrive in diverse forest environments. They capture moisture through various methods, such as trapping airborne water vapor and funneling rain into storage tanks. These plants play a crucial role in forest ecosystems by intercepting rain, reducing evaporation, and enhancing water retention. This helps maintain forest hydration, supports diverse life forms, and even influences local weather patterns by promoting cloud formation.

What unique ability allows epiphytes to survive without direct soil access?

• They can photosynthesize without sunlight.

• They can absorb water from the air.

• They can produce their own soil.

• They can grow roots into other plants.

How do some epiphytes like bromeliads manage to store water?

• By absorbing water through their roots.

• By funneling water into specialized storage tanks.

• By creating underground reservoirs.

• By using their leaves as solar panels.

What percentage of rain can epiphytes intercept in a forest?

• 20%

• 5%

• 10%

• 15%

How do epiphytes help reduce water loss in forests?

• By increasing soil moisture.

• By shading the forest and reducing wind exposure.

• By growing taller than other plants.

• By absorbing sunlight.

What is one way epiphytes contribute to cloud formation?

• By absorbing carbon dioxide.

• By releasing water vapor into the atmosphere.

• By producing oxygen.

• By reflecting sunlight back into space.