Phytotelma
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The pitchers of Nepenthes rajah act as phytotelmata.
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 phytotelma[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).
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[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.[2]
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- ^ Kitching, R L (2000) Food webs and container habitats: The natural histor and ecology of phytotelmata. Cambridge University Press. ISBN 0-521-77316-4
- ^ Varga, L. 1928. Ein interessanter Biotop der Biocenose von Wasserorganism. Biologische Zentralblatt 48: 143–162.
[edit] External links
- [1] Bromeliad Biota - Phytotelmata.

