FOR201H1 Lecture Notes - Lecture 3: Windthrow, Pedogenesis, Treefall Gap
Document Summary
Epiphylls - grows on other plants" leaves. Often defined in terms of a height cutoff (> 5m) Have repeatedly evolved in many plant groups. Latin, genus name -- species name, should be italicized e. g. dryobalanops aromatica. Independent origin of tree form: tree ferns and arborescent plants. Really big herbaceous plant, not tree, e. g. bananas. Produce flowers and fruits at small size. Shrubs commonly produce multiple stems at base or have vegetative reproduction. Clear canopy usually occur in monodominant forests. Largest herbs reach 4-5 m in height. Much higher proportion of flora in temperate forests consists of herbs. They do not photosynsesiz, the only rely on other plants. Often have negative effects on host tree growth. Flowers and fruits only in full sun. Wide range of taxa: epiphytic orchids, bromeliads, ferns. Commonly have adaptations to endure both water and nutrient stress. Algae, liverworts, lichens and mosses that grow on leaves. Very specialized mating system involving fig wasps.
