An epiphyte is a plant that normally grows on another plant for support. It is not parasitic, but uses the host plant for support only. Epiphytes can be found in many different environments.

Under the guidance of Prof. Liu Wenyao of XTBG, Dr. Song Liang and his colleagues surveyed and analyzed epiphytic bryophytes growing on Lithocarpus xylocarpus (Kurz) Markgr. trunks of different diameter classes in primary and secondary Lithocarpus forests in the Ailao Mountains, SW China. The aim was to determine species composition and richness, and to identify environmental variables that may affect it.

The study was conducted in the Xujiaba region (24°32′N, 101°01′E)—a protected section with 5,100 ha of pristine montane moist evergreen broad-leaved forest, in Ailao Mts. NNR (23°35′–24°44′N, 100°54′–101°01′E).

The study found that species richness and total coverage on L. xylocarpus trunks in primary forest are significantly higher than those of secondary forest. Species composition is distinct between the two forest types. Microhabitat and host age have a considerable influence on life form composition of epiphytic bryophytes. Tree age was the most important environmental variable affecting the composition of epiphytic bryophytes.

The researchers thus suggest that a very long period, perhaps much more than 110 years, is needed for the recovery of epiphytic bryoflora in montane forest of SW China.

The research entitled “Bole epiphytic bryophytes on Lithocarpus xylocarpus (Kurz) Markgr. in the Ailao Mountains, SW China” has been published in Ecological Research, 26(2): 351-363. DOI10.1007/s11284-010-0790-3