Smoothing out the misconceptions of the role of bark roughness in vascular epiphyte attachment.

Vascular epiphytes represent c. 10% of all vascular plant species. In epiphytes, attachment is essential for survival throughout consecutive ontogenetic stages of their life, starting with: (1) initial propagule attachment to the host; followed by (2) the development of first root-substrate connections; and (3) maintenance of this attachment despite increased size and mechanical disturbances by rain, wind, or crossing animals.

Holding on or falling off: The attachment mechanism of epiphytic Anthurium obtusum changes with substrate roughness.

Premise: For vascular epiphytes, secure attachment to their hosts is vital for survival. Yet studies detailing the adhesion mechanism of epiphytes to their substrate are scarce. Examination of the root hair-substrate interface is essential to understand the attachment mechanism of epiphytes to their substrate.

Go with the flow: The extent of drag reduction as epiphytic bromeliads reorient in wind.

Vascular epiphytes represent almost 10% of all terrestrial plant diversity. Being structurally dependent on trees, epiphytes live at the interface of vegetation and atmosphere, making them susceptible to atmospheric changes. Despite the extensive research on vascular epiphytes, little is known about wind disturbance on these plants.