Definitions
- Describing a plant that grows on the outside of another plant or object. - Referring to a parasitic plant that feeds on the host plant's nutrients. - Talking about a plant that grows on rocks, walls, or other non-living surfaces.
- Describing a plant that grows on the surface of another plant, usually a tree. - Referring to a non-parasitic plant that uses the host plant for support but does not feed on its nutrients. - Talking about a plant that grows in tropical rainforests, where they are abundant.
List of Similarities
- 1Both ectophytes and epiphytes grow on other plants or objects.
- 2Both use the host plant for support.
- 3Both can be found in tropical regions.
- 4Both can be used for decorative purposes.
- 5Both have unique adaptations to survive in their environment.
What is the difference?
- 1Nutrition: Ectophytes are parasitic and feed on the host plant's nutrients, while epiphytes are non-parasitic and do not feed on the host plant.
- 2Location: Ectophytes can grow on non-living surfaces, while epiphytes grow on living plants.
- 3Adaptations: Ectophytes have specialized structures to penetrate the host plant's tissues, while epiphytes have specialized structures to absorb moisture and nutrients from the air.
- 4Relationship with host plant: Ectophytes harm the host plant, while epiphytes do not harm the host plant.
- 5Abundance: Epiphytes are more abundant in tropical rainforests than ectophytes.
Remember this!
Ectophyte and epiphyte are both types of plants that grow on other plants or objects. However, the difference between them is their relationship with the host plant and their location. Ectophytes are parasitic and grow on non-living surfaces, while epiphytes are non-parasitic and grow on living plants, usually in tropical rainforests.
