Epiphytic Research Articles

Qualitative phytochemical analysis, enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant activities in stems and leaves of Vanilla planifolia (Orchidaceae)

Vanilla planifolia, commonly known as vanilla orchid, is an epiphytic plant native to Mexico. This plant is used in the food and pharmaceutical industries due to its flavour and antioxidant properties. Vanilla bean is becoming more expensive due to current market demand. Consequently, less than 1% of the vanillin used in the market is derived naturally from vanilla plants. The present study was conducted to identify the phytoconstituents and the antioxidative activities (enzymatic and non-enzymatic) in the stems and leaves of V. planifolia collected from Temerloh, Pahang. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids, tannins, terpenoids, cardiac glycoside, carbohydrate and reducing sugar in both V. planifolia stems and leaves. Vanilla stem contains more ascorbic acid (94.49±2.92 µg/mL) and carotenoids (2.61±0.08 µg/mL) as compared to that of leaves (71.79±2.05 µg/mL and 0.82±0.07 µg/mL, respectively). However, there was no significant difference (P>0.05) in α-tocopherol concentration. Enzymatic activities showed that ascorbate peroxidase (APX) and catalase (CAT) were more distinct in leaves while more peroxidase (POD) activities were observed in the stems. High concentrations of phytochemical elements with high antioxidant activities in stems and leaves showed that V. planifolia is a promising source of antioxidants.

Methods to characterize vascular epiphytes in the context of nature tourism

Abstract
 [Introduction]: Epiphytes represent up to 10 % of global diversity and up to 30 % of Andean forests. Orchidaceae, Bromeliaceae, Araceae and Gesneriaceae are among the most important. Their shapes, colors, and sizes, as well as their interaction with insects, birds and invertebrates have captivated specialists, but also a wide audience around the world. Nature tourism is consolidated in places that offer unique experiences and is a growing economic sector in several tropical countries. Epiphytic plants are among the local attractions with the greatest potential for sightings in the tropics. [Objective]: To present a methodology to document epiphytes on farms, natural reserves, and protected areas, to improve biological information about them, facilitate guidance, and broaden the visitor experience. [Methodology]: Several years of field work have allowed us to adapt some methods and propose new ones to strengthen the experience of visitors with a focus on nature tourism. [Results]: Five methods are proposed (semi-detailed transects, sighting stations, ad libitum trails, fallen trees and permanent plots), and a in situ conservation method (living collection) to complete the characterization. Likewise, an analysis of the benefits, times, costs, and priorities of each method is presented. [Conclusions]: These methods, along with illustrated flora guides and trained local human resources, constitute the central axes for nature tourism, community empowerment and the strengthening of the conservation processes.

Antibacterial properties of Pyrrosia longifolia extracts

Background: Pyrrosia longifolia is an epiphytic plant found in tropical forests. This plant is known to have antioxidant, anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties and is widely used in traditional medicine. Pyrrosia longifolia is one of the species used in traditional medicine, but no evidence of antibacterial activity has been found. Objective: The purpose of this study is to determine the antibacterial activity of various P. longifolia extracts. Methods: The plant was macerated with methanol and separated based on its polarity. The well diffusion method was used to determine the plant’s antibacterial activity through the inhibition zones - minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of bacterial growth against seven bacteria pathogens. Results: The antibacterial activity of the extracts showed various inhibitions of the bacteria tested. Dichloromethane and ethyl acetate extracts showed intermediate inhibitory activity on Bacillus subtilis ATCC 19659, B. cereus ATCC 10876, Salmonella typhimurium ATCC 142028, and Vibrio parahaemolyticus ATCC 17802. Conclusion: The extract of P. longifolia is susceptible to the test bacteria, and additional testing is necessary to determine its antibacterial activity.

Recording earthworm diversity on the tropical island of Martinique using DNA barcoding unveiled endemic species in bromeliad plants

In a context of accelerating biodiversity loss, some species may become extinct before taxonomists have time to collect and describe them. This is an even more critical problem for taxa with poor taxonomic knowledge, such as earthworms in the tropics. To overcome this taxonomic impediment, we investigated earthworm diversity on the tropical island of Martinique using DNA barcoding. Firstly, we sampled earthworms at 81 sites evenly distributed in two categories corresponding to natural and anthropized environments. We obtained a total of 684 sequences of a fragment of the COI gene. MOTU delimitation and morphological identification suggested that this dataset corresponded to 49 putative species, of which 16 were known exotic species. The rarefaction curve suggested that the sampling effort was not sufficient to capture total earthworm diversity in the natural environment and that many more species could be discovered. Secondly, we focused on a heterogeneous landscape around the town of Morne Rouge, where arboreal earthworms were sampled using a standardized protocol. We found 8 different species in epiphytic plants, three of which were found almost exclusively in bromeliad plants that were sampled above 1.4 m from the ground. The presence of these species, probably endemic to Martinique and new to science, was significantly correlated to the proportion of forest land cover. The most common earthworm in these habitats was Dichogaster andina, an exotic species found in bromeliads and Heliconia plants that were sampled at every height from the bottom of the tree up to 6.8 m. Its presence was correlated to the proportion of total river length in the landscape, suggesting that rivers may act as a dispersal vector. This study therefore highlights the great diversity of earthworms in Martinique, while emphasizing the main threats to this biodiversity, namely the alteration of habitats and the presence of invasive species.

Pharmacognostic Evaluation of Platycerium bifurcatum (Cav.) C. Chr. (Polypodiaceae)

Ethnopharmacological relevance: Platycerium bifurcatum (CAV.) C. Chr., Commonly known as staghorn fern is an epiphytic plant with diverse medicinal uses, such as anti-ulcer remedy, treating oedema, coughs and hypertension. This research was aim at evaluating the pharmacognostic profile of P. Bifurcatum. Methods: The fresh and air-dried plant materials were evaluated for microscopic characters, ash values, extractive values, moisture content and phytoconstituents. Results: Pharmacognostic evaluation revealed two shape of leaves, one round and the other forked-like shape, dark and light green colour, slightly coarse texture at the abaxial surface and hairy due to the trichome at the adaxial surface, reticulate leaf venation and margin entire, presence non- grandular stellate trichomes at the lower epidermal layer, spongy mesopghyll, collenchyma cells, vascular bundles straight type of epidermal cell wall, anisocytes stomata. Moisture content of 6.283%, total ash value of 8.25% within the standard range, acid insoluble ash of 1%, water soluble of 6.0% and phytochemical screening analysis shows the presence of phenolic, saponins, glycosides and triterpenoid constituents. Conclusion: this study reports the first time the pharmacognostic properties of P. bifurcatum.

Antioxidant Activity of Endophytic Bacteria isolated from (Pyrrosia piloselloides) (L) M.G. Price

Endophytic bacteria produced analogous secondary metabolites of their hosts. Similarly, the ability to generate antioxidants is not an exception. Dragon scales (Pyrrosia piloselloides), an epiphytic plant of the Polypodiaceae family, are frequently overlooked. This research aims to isolate antioxidant-producing bacteria from dragon-scale fern leaves. The antioxidant activities were tested after the extraction procedure using ethanolic extract. Bacteria were characterized and selected as candidates for antioxidant production by screening for the production of total phenolic compounds. Antioxidant levels were determined utilizing the ABTS, FRAP, and DPPH techniques. The preliminary findings of the entire phenolic compound test revealed that isolates B2, B3, C, and F produced the most phenolic compounds. The highest antioxidant activity was created by bacterial isolates B3. Bacterial isolates D1 have similar characteristics to B3 and it has been identified as Bacillus subtilis isolates D1AS. The assessment technique and extract dosages have the greatest effect on antioxidant concentration. In comparison to other approaches, the DPPH method yields considerable results when screening prospective isolates to manufacture antioxidants. Testing the ability of the results of bacterial extracts on other therapeutic effects needs to be done to ensure that the antioxidant abilities obtained in this study continue to be developed.

Notes on the reproductive biology of three Taiwanese species of the genus Kurixalus (Anura: Rhacophoridae)

The reproductive biology of Taiwanese arboreal frogs of the genus Kurixalus shows a distinct tendency towards arboreality or terrestriality. Four species breed in phytotelmata and feed the tadpoles with unfertilized eggs; one species has terrestrial eggs and its tadpoles develop in lentic water. Here we provide additional information on habitats, breeding biology and oviposition sites of K. berylliniris, K. cf. eiffingeri and K. idiootocus obtained in northern and southeastern Taiwan. Kurixalus berylliniris prefers tree trunk holes and considers the size of the cavity opening, rather than the height of the opening above the ground. Kurixalus cf. eiffingeri appears to be an adaptable species that reproduces in a wide spectrum of natural and artificial waterfilled cavities. Epiphytic plants do not play a significant role in the reproduction of these species.

Analysis of Structure, the Composition of Vegetation, and Diversity of Epiphytes and Their Hosts

The tourist area of Kali Bak Kampung Harapan Sentani Jayapura Regency is one of the buffer zones for the Cycloop Mountains nature reserve which has the function of a rainwater catchment area and supply of drinking water for the people of Jayapura Regency and City, but currently, the tourist spot is experiencing intensive disturbances and threats. This condition is the reason for this study to be carried out to analyze epiphytic plant vegetation and their hosts in the Kali Bak tourism area, Harapan Sentani Village, Jayapura Regency. The purpose of this study was conducted to determine the structure and composition of the vegetation as well as the diversity of epiphytes and their hosts at the Kali Bak tourist spot, Harapan Sentani Village, Jayapura Regency. Data collection was carried out using transect methods, documentation methods, and plot methods. There are 25 observation plots with a plot size of 20 x 20 meters which are placed on the right and left of the transect line. The results showed that 5 families of 8 species were Asplenium nidus L., Davallia trichomanoides BL., Dendrobium sp, Drynaria quercifolia (L). J.sm., Drynaria rigidula (Sw.).Bedd., Microsorum sp, Microsorum punctatum, and Nephrolepis falcata (Cav.) C. Chr. As for the host tree species, 6 families were obtained consisting of 6 species including Alstonia scholaris (L.) R. Br., Calophyllum inophyllum, Cycas rumphii Miq., Ficus virens Aiton., Gymnostoma papuana Miq., Intsia bijuga (Colebr.) OK. The overall diversity index for epiphytic plants, which is 1.98, is moderate. The overall diversity index for host trees is 1.26 which is moderate

Diversity and Taxonomy of Telipogon (Orchidaceae) in Colombia and Adjacent Areas

AbstractThe neotropical orchid genusTelipogonKunth was established in 1815 and currently comprises more than 250 species. Representatives of this genus are generally epiphytic plants lacking pseudobulbs. The stem is either abbreviated or elongate and the leaves are conduplicate. Flowers are usually resupinate with small sepals and petals similar to the lip, but sometimes different. The gynostemium is covered by stiff or soft hairs. This monograph is a presentation of taxonomic diversity of the orchid genusTelipogonin Colombia and adjecent areas. Morphological characteristics of a total of 96Telipogonspecies from Colombia are presented together with information about over 50 taxa found in neighboring countries. A brief discussion of an additional seven taxa described in Colombia, but insufficiently characterized, is also given. Illustrations of perianth segments of almost all national genus representatives are provided. Twenty-five species are described in this paper for the first time –Telipogon alinae,T. bicallosus,T. bugalagrandei,T. castanedoi,T. chimborazoensis,T. cocuyensis,T. cuatrecasasii,T. fassetti,T. fernandezii,T. flabellatus,T. garayi,T. hirsutus,T. huertasii,T. idroboi,T. killipi,T. kraenzlinianus,T. orozcoi,T. pasquillensis,T. schlimii,T. spathipetala,T. sumapazensis,T. tolimensis,T. trianae,T. trilabiatus, andT. verrucosus. Several morphologically consistent groups are distinguished to facilitate identification ofTelipogonrepresentatives. Keys for determination of species within each group are provided.

Biodiversity and ecological network of epiphytic bryophytes and their host trees in the forests of the southeastern Qinghai-Tibet Plateau

The Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (QTP), the highest and largest plateau in the world, plays a vital role in maintaining the balance of the global ecosystem and China's ecological barriers. The QTP ecosystems are facing serious challenges under the scenario of global climate change. Epiphytic plant diversity is one of the most significant contributors to forest diversity. Epiphytic bryophytes play an important role in forest ecosystem functioning. However, previous studies of epiphytic bryophyte diversity have rarely considered both phorophyte diversity and their ecological networks, factors that are crucial for revealing the ecological processes of community assembly and the mechanisms of biodiversity maintenance and ecosystem stability. We investigated the diversity of epiphytic bryophytes and their host trees in 18 forest sites in the southeastern QTP and analyzed the characteristics of their ecological network. A total of 57 epiphytic bryophyte species in 35 genera and 24 families and 72 individuals of host trees belonging to 14 genera and 10 families were recorded. Epiphytic bryophyte species on Picea, Abies, and Sorbus accounted for 77% of all species. The ecological network structure of epiphytic bryophytes-phorophytes exhibited low connectance and nestedness and a low degree of specialization. The cover of epiphytic bryophytes was significant positively correlated with host tree size (diameter at breast height) and not significantly correlated with bark roughness. Both tree size and bark roughness were weakly positively correlated with epiphytic bryophyte richness. The study results showed that increasing tree diversity is essential for the maintenance of the epiphytic bryophyte diversity in forests of the QTP. Biodiversity conservation of epiphytic bryophytes is consistent with conservation of their host trees.

Differences in bacterial composition between vascular epiphyte and parasitic plants living on the same host plants

Abstract. Do HDK, Luqman A, Vu MT, Nguyen HD, Putro YK, Rofiqa EA, Santoso H, Kristanti AN, Hariyanto S, Bui LM, Manuhara YSW, Wibowo AT. 2022. Differences in bacterial composition between vascular epiphyte and parasitic plants living on the same host plants. Biodiversitas 23: 5798-5805. Epiphytic and parasitic plants can grow and complete their life cycle while attached to the host. Therefore, the interactions between these plants and their host provide profound evidence for co-evolution. During these symbiotic interactions, bacteria are actively exchanged between parasitic and epiphytic plants with their hosts. Since epiphytes and parasitic plants have different ways of life, they might assemble their bacterial community differently despite living in the same host. However, direct microbiome comparisons between epiphytic and parasitic plants colonizing the same host have never been evaluated. In this study, we examined the bacterial compositions of the epiphytic Hoya sp. and parasitic Dendrophthoe sp. that grow in two host species, frangipani (Plumeria sp.) and teak (Tectona grandis). The results revealed that bacterial compositions in the root of Hoya sp. are highly similar to the peripheral tissue of the host stem. In contrast, bacterial composition in the haustoria of Dendrophthoe sp. is quite distinct from the host. These results revealed that epiphytes and parasitic plants acquire and assemble their microbiome differently, despite living in the same host species. These differences might originate from different nutrient acquisition strategies between the two plants.

High diversity and low specificity of fungi associated with seedless epiphytic plants

AbstractEpiphytes, which grow on other plants for support, make up a large portion of Earth's plant diversity. Like other plants, their surfaces and interiors are colonized by diverse assemblages of fungi that can benefit their hosts by increasing tolerance for abiotic stressors and resistance to disease or harm them as pathogens. Fungal communities associated with epiphytic plants and the processes that structure these communities are poorly known. To address this, we sampled seven epiphytic seedless plant taxa in a Costa Rican rainforest and examined the effects of host identity and microhabitat on external and endophytic fungal communities. We found low host specificity for both external and endophytic fungi and weak differentiation between epiphytic and neighboring epilithic plant hosts. High turnover in fungi within and between hosts and habitats reveals that epiphytic plant‐associated fungal communities are highly diverse and suggests that they are structured by stochastic processes.Abstract in Spanish is available with online material

Host-tree selection by the ant garden-initiating arboreal ponerine Neoponera goeldii.

Host-tree selection by the ant garden-initiating arboreal ponerine Neoponera goeldii.

Dendrobine biosynthesis in Dendrobium nobile in four different habitats is affected by the variations in the endophytic fungal community.

Dendrobium nobile, an epiphytic plant, is a traditional medicinal herb with abundant endophytes. It is unclear whether the variation in the diversity and abundance of endophytes could stimulate the biosynthesis of medicinal compounds in the plant. In this study, we collected fresh stems of D. nobile from four habitats for investigating the fungal community structure, dendrobine content, and environment factors and their correlations. The results indicated no significant difference in endophytic fungal diversity among the habitats; however, different dominant or special endophytic genera were observed in the hosts from different habitats. The altitude was observed to be positively related to the dendrobine content, as the stems collected from the altitude of 692 m exhibited the highest level of dendrobine. Furthermore, the relative abundance of Toxicocladosporium was found to be positively correlated with the altitude and dendrobine content. The epiphytic matrix exhibited a significant negative correlation with the relative abundance of the endophytic fungus Gibberella but did not exhibit any significant correlation with the dendrobine content. The results indicated that the abundance of endophytes in D. nobile was affected by the altitude and epiphytic matrix and that high Toxicocladosporium abundance and high altitude were conducive to dendrobine production.

Spatial turnover of fungi and partner choice shape mycorrhizal networks in epiphytic orchids

Abstract In soils, plants and fungi can form complex mycorrhizal networks allowing nutrient transfers between plant individuals and species. It is less clear, however, whether such networks exist on the bark of trees where epiphytic plant communities thrive in rainforests. Previous work showed that tropical epiphytic orchids especially, harbour symbiotic fungi in their roots, but the structure and determinants of the resulting networks remain unknown at the tree scale. We tested the hypothesis that epiphytic orchids rooted in the same area on the bark share mycorrhizal fungi, regardless of their species (i.e. spatial determinant). For this purpose, we selected the trunk of six trees of two common species in a rainforest and sampled orchid roots, protocorms and surrounding bark. We identified mycorrhizal fungi including Tulasnellaceae using high‐throughput sequencing of the ITS2 marker, and reconstructed orchid–fungus bipartite networks for each tree to analyse their structure and the spatial turnover of this symbiosis. We found that epiphytic orchid communities form antinested and highly modular networks with mycorrhizal fungi spread on the bark. As expected, modules of interactions are explained by their spatial structure, with nearby roots sharing fungi, but also by the orchid species involved. These results reveal the presence of shared mycelial networks in epiphytic habitats, whose roles in the resilience and facilitation of epiphytic plant communities need to be assessed. Synthesis. Tropical tree barks are densely colonized by certain mycorrhizal fungi that can form symbioses in nearby adult and young orchids simultaneously. These mycorrhizal networks may allow water and nutrient transfers to alleviate the stressful conditions of the epiphytic habitats.

Importance of the vertical gradient in the variation of epiphyte community structure in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest

Epiphytes are strongly affected by the microclimate of the forest canopy. Therefore, understanding how microclimatic changes are related to the functional characteristics of taxa and the patterns of communities is essential. Our objective was to examine the stratification of the epiphyte community along the vertical gradient of the forests and to investigate whether the pattern of species distribution in the canopy height zones is similar among forests with different characteristics and between the families of epiphytic plants. The study was carried out in the Atlantic Forest of Ilha Grande, in southeastern Brazil, where we recorded 76 species. The highest richness and abundance were found on tree trunks. The high crown had less diversity and a characteristic set of species. The vertical stratification pattern was similar across forests with different phytophysiognomies. The main epiphytic families exhibited different patterns of diversity along the canopy. The highest richness of Araceae occurred in the trunk zones, while Polypodiaceae, Bromeliaceae, and Orchidaceae were more diverse in the trunk and inner crown, and Cactaceae were more diverse in the inner crown. Tree height zones select epiphytic taxa with distinct characteristics according to the fundamental conditions for their survival and, therefore, we suggest that the ecological niche theory is adequate to explain the assembly of epiphytic communities at a local scale.

Re‐terrestrialization in the phylogeny of epiphytic plant lineages: Microsoroid ferns as a case study

AbstractThe fern family Polypodiaceae, with over 1600 species, is not only one of the most species‐rich families of ferns, but also a major contributor to the vascular epiphytic diversity throughout the tropics. Although the vast majority of species belonging to this family prefer to grow as epiphytes, several species colonize successfully rheophytic, lithophytic, and even terrestrial habitats. Here, we explore the hypothesis that non‐epiphytic habitat preferences, including terrestrial growth, evolved secondarily with epiphytes being the plesiomorphic habitat preference. The results of phylogenetic analyses, based on dense taxon sampling and four chloroplast DNA regions, were integrated with divergence time estimates and ancestral character state reconstructions to test these predictions. Both fossils and secondary calibration data were incorporated to obtain divergence time estimations. The results support the prediction of multiple transitions from epiphytic/lithophytic to terrestrial/rheophytic habitats occurring mainly in the Microsoreae lineage. The change in niche preferences coincides with niche colonization opportunities created by climatic fluctuations and geographical changes during the Oligocene and Miocene periods.

Basic ecology of ant gardens in a dry-premontane transitional forest

Introduction: Ant gardens are ant nests located at different heights on trees on which vascular epiphytic plants that have been transported and sown by ants have germinated. Although this mutualistic relationship has been studied in humid tropical ecosystems, information on other tropical and Colombian ecosystems is scarce. Objective: To characterize the spatial distribution, formation process, diversity, demography, and phenology of Ant gardens in a secondary dry premontane transitional forest in Colombia. Methods: We estimated the spatial distribution and formation process of ant gardens. Phenological and demographic monitoring of epiphytes plants of ant gardens was performed. The monitoring of the ant gardens was done in transects, every 15 days. Results: The ant gardens showed an aggregated distribution pattern relative to water bodies. The garden-forming ant species was identified as Azteca ulei. Ten species of epiphytes plants and 13 species of phorophytes trees related to ant gardens were identified. The behavior of A. ulei favored the formation and maintenance of the ant gardens. A positive relationship was found between epiphyte richness and ant garden size. Some epiphytes presented a bimodal phenological pattern. The demographic pattern of epiphytes suggests that in the dry season, the number of established seedlings is reduced, which reduces the number of adults that remain in ant gardens. Conclusions: Ant gardens are the microhabitat that allows the germination, establishment, and reproduction of diverse epiphytes in the studied dry-premontane transitional forest.

Characteristic of the material deposits, microclimate profile, epiphyte abundance, and bacteria populations in the above-ground ecosystem of oil palm

Abstract. Pradiko I, Farrasati R, Rahutomo S, Sapalina F, Pane RDP, Hidayat F, Ginting EN. 2022. The physical, chemical, and biological characteristics of microhabitats inside oil palm trunk axils in North Sumatra, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 23: 3793-3807. Above-ground ecosystems (AGE) components in oil palm plantations consist of epiphytic plants and fauna in microhabitat within the axil of pruned fronds. This research aimed to identify the characteristics of microhabitat, including microclimate profile, physical and chemical properties of the material deposit, epiphyte abundance, and microbe population. The study sites were located in the eastern and western regions of North Sumatra. Furthermore, vertical observations were taken on oil palm trunks at the height of 20, 100, 150, 200, and 300 cm. The study indicated that the microclimate, nutrients content, physical properties of the material deposit, and bacterial populations in the trunk axils of oil palm in the eastern differed from the western region. There was no obvious pattern in the microclimate profile for individual oil palms. However, there was a change in N, C-organic, and C/N ratios with the increasing height of microhabitat sites. In terms of abundance, Nephrolepis bisserata and Vittaria ensiformis epiphytes were more dominant in the upper and bottom trunk, respectively. The microhabitat at the bottom trunk had a denser bacterial population, negatively correlated with N, C-organic, C/N ratio, Mg, and pH.

Phenolic Compounds from Dendrobium Nobile Lindl.

Dendrobium nobile Lindl.(Orchidaceae), Vietnamese name as Hoang thao dui ga is an epiphytic plant on high tree branches. It grows widely in humid mountainous areas in Vietnam. The plant is used to treat fever, dry mouth, dry throat, increase vitality in traditional medicine. In the course of study on chemical composition of Dendrobium nobile Lindl. in Vietnam, this paper describes the extraction and structure evaluation of five known compounds, including E-1,5-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-pent-1-en-3-one (1) together with ferulic acid (2), 4-hydroxy cinnamic acid (3) umbellic acid (4) and 3-(4-hydroxyphenyl) propionic acid (5). The stems of this plant were collected, identified, dried and extracted in different polarity solvents. These substances were isolated from the ethyl acetate and water fractions of methanol extract on the basis of column chromatography. Their structures were identified based on spectroscopic evaluation and comparison of corresponding authentic compounds. This is the first report of compound 1 from the Dendrobium genus.