Epiphytes

Astelia is a common nest epiphyte. Trees then grow on these - epiphytes on epiphytes.

Astelias are great in pots as they are used to living in very little soil at the tops of trees. Good on windy and sunny.balconies which mimic exposed tree-tops being exposed.

Layers build up of mosses, liverworts, lichen and then ferns like this strap fern - Pyrossia eleagnifolia - starting an aerial community.

Lichens are often epiphytes and can be found on most trees.

These epiphytes have outlived their host.

Orchids are some of the first vascular plants to colonise trees.

Griselinia lucida - most commonly an epiphyte, but also grows on the ground on Rangitoto as this island mimics a tree-top.

Spring bamboo orchid - Earina mucronata.

Ancient kauri trees like Tane Mahuta have complex epiphyte communities.