Colonization of tropical rain forest leaves by epiphylls: effects of site and host plant leaf lifetime

In humid tropical regions, leaves are frequently colonized by epiphylls (Richards 1954, Pocs 1978, 1982). Lichens and liverworts usually dominate, although mosses, algae, and cyanobacteria can also occur (Winkler 1971, Smith 1982). The interactions between epiphylls and host leaves have not been well studied. In this paper, we investigate site and host-plant characteristics that might affect rates of colonization by lichens and liverworts in several sites in Panama. In addition we evaluate possible ecological and evolutionary impacts of epiphyll cover on host-plant leaves.