Phytotelma

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The pitchers of Nepenthes rajah act as phytotelmata.
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.

Examples of plants with phytotelmata are bromeliads, bamboos, pitcher plants, and trees with hollows.

[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.[1]

[edit] See also

[edit] References

  1. ^ Varga, L. 1928. Ein interessanter Biotop der Biocenose von Wasserorganism. Biologische Zentralblatt 48: 143–162.
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