Description
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Epiphytic orchids are known to cause no harm to the host plants. The host plants not only provide a space but also a favorable environment for the epiphytes to grow further. In some cases, however, the epiphyte causes disturbance, scrambles over smaller branches, strangles the host's branches, and often also kills the host plant; eventually killing itself when the part with the host and the epiphyte falls down. Taeniophyllum tjibodasanum grows on Cupressus spp. When the microclimate becomes suitable for the orchid, it causes damage on Cupressus leaves and small branches. Thrixspermum arachnites growing on several host species often strangles the upper branches, and the suffered host often gets dry and broken, eventually dropping altogether. Certain part of the epiphyte root is strongly attached to the epidermis of the host, and the mycorrhiza of the host also grows across the host plants. Association between the epiphyte and the host plant becomes imbalanced under certain circumstances, especially when the environment is more suitable for the epiphytes, and the host has a slower growing habit.
Proceedings The 11th Asia Pacific Orchid conference in Okinawa, page 47-52
(2013)
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