About this episode

This episode explores the role of epiphytes in the water cycle and their impact on ecosystems.

Epiphytes of one kind or another are ubiquitous components of ecosystems around the globe, but we still know little about what they are doing up in the forest canopy. For instance, how do epiphytes influence the water cycle of various ecosystems? Figuring out how epiphytes interact with the water cycle can help us refine models of drought, climate change, and so much more. Joining us to talk about this is Dr. John Van Stan who you may remember from Episode 457 of the In Defense of Plants Podcast. He and his colleagues are working on refining the concept of the "Epiphyte Area Index" that will help us better understand a model vital ecosystem processes such as hydrology. This episode was produced in part by Chris, Gerald, Elise, Maggie, Mamie, A.J., Dallas, Channele, KC, Joe, Diane, Kim, Tanya, Neil, Matthew, April, Dana, Lilith, Sanza, Eva, Yellowroot, Wisewren, Nadia, Heidi, Blake, Josh, Laure, R.J., Carly, Lucia, Dana, Sarah, Lauren, Strych Mind, Linda, Sylvan, Austin, Sarah, Ethan, Elle, Steve, Cassie, Chuck, Aaron, Gillian, Abi, Rich, Shad, Maddie, Owen, Linda, Alana, Sigma, Max, Richard, Maia, Rens, David, Robert, Thomas, Valerie, Joan, Mohsin Kazmi Photography, Cathy, Simon…

People in this episode

Host: In Defense of Plants

Guest: Dr. John Van Stan

Topics covered

• epiphytes
• water cycle
• ecosystems
• climate change
• drought
• hydrology

Keywords

• epiphytes
• water cycle
• ecosystems
• climate change
• drought
• hydrology
• Epiphyte Area Index

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: In Defense of Plants Podcast

More episodes of In Defense of Plants Podcast

• Ep. 594 - Of Orchids & Woodpeckers · September 6, 2026 · 46 min
• Ep. 593 - Orchids & their Fungal Partners · August 30, 2026 · 1h 6m
• Ep. 592 - What Cherries & Company Can Teach Us About Evolution · August 23, 2026 · 51 min
• Ep. 591 - Justice for Habitats · August 16, 2026 · 55 min
• Ep. 590 - The Complex Ecology of Puerto Rico's Forests · August 9, 2026 · 56 min
• Ep. 588 - Investigating Boreal Rarities · July 26, 2026 · 46 min

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