‘Hemiepiphyte’: a confusing term and its history (Viewpoint)

There are many types of structurally dependent plants and, ignoring parasitic mistletoes, it is usual to distinguish four functional groups: (1) true epiphytes; (2) primary hemiepiphytes; (3) secondary hemiepiphytes; and (4) climbing plants (lianas and vines). Based on a review of the relevant literature over the last 120 years, Zotz identifies serious problems with the current use of terminology. Arguing that current ambiguities hamper integration and generalization, he suggests a more coherent scheme to categorize structurally dependent flora that discards the misleading term secondary hemiepiphyte.