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This book critically reviews advances in our understanding of the biology of vascular epiphytes since Andreas Schimper's 1888 seminal work. It addresses all aspects of their biology, from anatomy and physiology to ecology and evolution, in the context of general biological principles. By comparing epiphytes with non-epiphytes throughout, it offers a valuable resource for researchers in plant sciences and related disciplines. A particular strength is the identification of research areas that have not received the attention they deserve, with conservation being a case in point. Scientists have tended to study pristine systems, but global developments call for information on epiphytes in human-disturbed systems and the response of epiphytes to global climate change.
List of contents
1 Introduction.- 2 Epiphyte taxonomy and Evolutionary trends.- 3 Biogeography - Latitudinal and Elevational trends.- 4 Functional Anatomy and Morphology.- 5 Physiological Ecology.- 6 Population Biology.- 7 Epiphyte Communities.- 8 Interactions with other organisms.- 9 The role of vascular epiphytes in the ecosystem.- 10 Epiphytes and Humans.- 11 Epilogue - The Epiphyte Syndrome.
About the author
Prof. Dr. Gerhard Zotz, University of Oldenburg, IBU, Ammerländer Heerstr. 114-118, 26129 Oldenburg, Germany
Summary
This book critically reviews advances in our understanding of the biology of vascular epiphytes since Andreas Schimper’s 1888 seminal work. It addresses all aspects of their biology, from anatomy and physiology to ecology and evolution, in the context of general biological principles. By comparing epiphytes with non-epiphytes throughout, it offers a valuable resource for researchers in plant sciences and related disciplines. A particular strength is the identification of research areas that have not received the attention they deserve, with conservation being a case in point. Scientists have tended to study pristine systems, but global developments call for information on epiphytes in human-disturbed systems and the response of epiphytes to global climate change.
Additional text
“The book helpfully begins with a summary of the usage of taxonomic names and abbreviations. Further, appropriate photographs and pertinent information are presented in boxes, which breaks up the text and makes for easy reading. … This book can be used as a textbook for students or by researchers in the field of plant sciences.” (The Journal of the Torrey Botanical Society, Vol. 145 (03), July, 2018)
“Plants on Plants – The Biology of Vascular Epiphytes is a great book. It’s informative, well written and clearly a labour of love from one of the true enthusiasts amongst the diehard modern-day band of epiphytologists. It’s refreshing to see so much passion for one’s subject. Lovely stuff!” (Nigel Chaffey, Annals of Botany Blog, aobblog.com, 2017)
Report
"The book helpfully begins with a summary of the usage of taxonomic names and abbreviations. Further, appropriate photographs and pertinent information are presented in boxes, which breaks up the text and makes for easy reading. ... This book can be used as a textbook for students or by researchers in the field of plant sciences." (The Journal of the Torrey Botanical Society, Vol. 145 (03), July, 2018)
"Plants on Plants - The Biology of Vascular Epiphytes is a great book. It's informative, well written and clearly a labour of love from one of the true enthusiasts amongst the diehard modern-day band of epiphytologists. It's refreshing to see so much passion for one's subject. Lovely stuff!" (Nigel Chaffey, Annals of Botany Blog, aobblog.com, 2017)
