ZONES AND REGIONS 



[Pt. Ill, Sect. I 



(Figs. 158, 159) ; whereas in Europe only mosses, lichens, and small Algae 

 can grow in such situations. In the rain-forest such small forms as are the 

 epiphytic vegetation in Europe are usually driven out on to the leaves, 

 which they frequently densely coat, and are then termed epiphyllons 

 plants. 



The sites occupied by epiphytes generally appear little suited for the 



Fig. 158. Obliquely growing tree-stem with epiphytes. From right to left: above, Philodendron 

 cannaefolinm ; below, pendent, Codonanthe Devosiana ; above, Ficus sp. (arborescent), Vriesea ; 

 belpw, Anthurium sp. , Rhipsalis two species. From a photograph by H. Schenck. 



nutrition of large plants. Epiphytes are, however, frequently found on very 

 rough bark, in the forks of branches where humus has collected, in the 

 persistent pocket-like leaf-bases of palms, and in similar positions. Many 

 of them occur chiefly on quite smooth surfaces, such as the mast-like 

 stems of many palms, the still smoother as it were polished stems of 

 bamboos, and also on glossy leaves. The wisps of Tillandsia usneoides, 



