Epiphytes , which are flora that grow on other plant , can have detrimental effects on the plant they attach to . This is particularly rightful for seagrasses in nautical systems . The high abundance of air plant on these plants can cause damage or even death . This is chiefly because the epiphytes can obstruct access code to sunlight and nutrients , which are of the essence for the natural selection and growth of the host plant .
One way in which epiphytes harm plant life is by blocking sunlight . As epiphyte grow and multiply , they can plow the leaves or other photosynthetic social organisation of the host plant . This blocks the sunlight from progress to the plant ’s own photosynthetic cell , reducing the amount of energy the plant life can raise through photosynthesis . Without sufficient sunlight , the host plant life may become weakened , leading to scrubby ontogenesis or even decease .
Epiphytes can also contend with the host works for food . They may sop up nutrients from the surrounding environment , such as the piddle or soil , before the server plant has a chance to take them up . This can deprive the legion works of essential nutrient , lead to alimental deficiencies and in the end affecting its overall wellness and vital force .
Furthermore , the system of weights and density of epiphytes can inflict physical stress on the host plant . As the epiphytic plant accumulate , they can become quite lowering , peculiarly when pixilated . This additional system of weights can distort the host plant ’s structure , making it more susceptible to damage from moving ridge , currents , or other environmental component . Over time , this physical strain can weaken the host flora , defecate it more vulnerable to disease or other forms of harm .
In accession to these unmediated impingement , the presence of epiphytic plant can also indirectly harm the horde plant by altering its microenvironment . The dense outgrowth of epiphytes can create a microclimate that is more humid and shaded , which may prefer the maturation of other organism , such as pathogens or herbivores , that can further damage the host plant . This can make a shower of negative result , ultimately chair to the decline or loss of the legion plant life universe .
Personal experience : I have encountered the detrimental result of epiphytes on plants in my own garden . I once had a beautiful orchid works that I had placed in a hanging basket . Over time , I remark that the leaves of the orchidaceous plant started turning sensationalistic and wilting . Upon closer inspection , I discovered that the orchid had been invaded by a dense connection of epiphytic mosses and ferns . These aerophyte had completely covered the orchid ’s foliage , block out the sunlight and obstruct its emergence . Despite my campaign to remove the epiphytes , the orchid finally succumbed to the equipment casualty and died . This experience foreground to me the importance of managing air plant outgrowth to ensure the health and well - being of the host plants .
To summarize , epiphytes can harm plant life by blocking sunshine , competing for nutrients , impose physical tenseness , and make unfavourable microenvironments . These detrimental effects can lead to weakened and damaged plant , at last affect their maturation and natural selection . Managing aerophyte growth is crucial to maintain the health and life force of the master of ceremonies plant in both sublunary and marine ecosystems .
Caroline Bates
