Xianliang Xu

Horticulture & Landscape Center, Hainan Institute of Tropical Agricultural Resouces, Sanya, 572025, Hainan, China
Author    Correspondence author
International Journal of Molecular Ecology and Conservation, 2025, Vol. 15, No. 5   
Received: 06 Aug., 2025    Accepted: 15 Sep., 2025    Published: 28 Sep., 2025

This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

This study introduces the diversity pattern, functional adaptation and ecological role of epiphytes in forest ecosystems. Research has found that there are various symbiotic relationships in forest ecosystems, with epiphytes being typical representatives. It forms a symbiotic relationship with the host tree: Epiphytes utilize the support and space provided by the host tree, but generally do not directly absorb nutrients or water from the host. Epiphytic plants are rich in species, including ferns, mosses, lichens, orchids and bromeliads, etc., and are widely distributed in tropical, subtropical and even temperate forests. Epiphytes play a significant role in maintaining forest biodiversity, regulating the microclimate of the forest canopy, and participating in nutrient and water cycling. However, deforestation, climate change and air pollution pose threats to epiphytes, and the decline in their diversity will weaken the above-mentioned ecological functions. The recovery and conservation of epiphytic plants can be promoted through conservation strategies such as strengthening corridor connections and artificial breeding and reintroduction. Epiphytes, as a crucial yet easily overlooked component in forests, their research and protection are of vital importance for maintaining the integrity of forest ecosystems.

Epiphytic plants; Symbiotic relationship; Forest diversity; Functional adaptation; Ecological function