Abstract
Structural features of the foliar epidermal surfaces of selected epiphytic members of subfamily Tillandsioideae of Bromeliaceae were examined to determine why xeromorphic nonimpounding (atmospheric) species with a dense layer of foliar trichomes are seldom found in deeply shaded humid portions of the forest profile, whereas tank‐forming members of the same subfamily often abound in such sites. Two features of the peltate trichome which appear to play a major role in enforcing habitat preferences among members of Tillandsioideae are (1) anatomical features of the walls of certain trichome cells which affect the mobility of the shield and. (2) variations in juxtaposition of trichomes and stomates on the leaf surface. Both features are involved in inhibition of gas exchange in wet leaves; trichome shield flexibility is also associated with high leaf reflectivity when the leaf surface is dry.
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