Phytotelma
Phytotelma (plural phytotelmata) is a term for water bodies held by plants. The water accumulated on these plants may serve as substratum for associated fauna, and often the fauna associated with phytotelmata is unique.
A classification of phytotelmata by Kitching (2000)[1] recognizes five principal types: bromeliad tanks, pitcher plants, water-filled tree hollows, bamboo internodes, and axil water (collected at the base of leaves, petals or bracts). A review by Greeney (2001)[2] identified seven forms: tree holes, leaf axils, flowers, modified leaves, fallen vegetative parts (e.g. leaves or bracts), fallen fruit husks, and stem rots.
Contents |
[edit] Etymology
The word phytotelma derives from the Ancient Greek roots phyto-, meaning 'plant', and telma, meaning 'pond'. Thus, the correct singular is phytotelma.
The term was coined by L. Varga in 1928.[3]
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- ^ Kitching, R.L. (2000). Food webs and container habitats: The natural history and ecology of phytotelmata. Cambridge University Press. ISBN 0-521-77316-4
- ^ Greeney, H.F. (2001). The insects of plant-held waters: a review and bibliography. Journal of Tropical Ecology 17(2): 241–260. doi:10.1017/S026646740100116X
- ^ Varga, L. (1928). Ein interessanter Biotop der Biocenose von Wasserorganism. Biologische Zentralblatt 48: 143–162.
[edit] External links
- [1] Bromeliad Biota - Phytotelmata.
 |
This botany article is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. |
