Exploring Epiphytes in Savannah

I was recently in Savannah, Georgia for the first time. The flora is so very different from my California roots! A high level of humidity is a big game changer in plant strategy.

These stately Southern Live Oaks, Quercus virginiana, are covered with Spanish Moss and Resurrection ferns. I wasn’t sure if the moss was hurting, helping, or not bothering the oaks, so I looked it up - yay google searches!

The Spanish Moss and Resurrection ferns are both epiphytes. Their strategy is to live on a host plant/tree where they can get the water and nutrients they need - think moisture from the humid air and water and minerals from water that runs down the branches of the host. They get what they need and neither help nor hurt their host . This is called “Commensalism”.

The Resurrection Fern does just what it’s name indicates. During dry periods is shrivels up and looks dead, but when it rains again, it pops back to life!

A Billbergia growing on a low country oak - another epiphyte.

What beautiful ‘dancing’ flowers it has!

George was always interested in relationships between species of plants and animals where there was a positive connection!