Vascular epiphytes in the southern deciduous forests of Ontario

The occurrence of vascular epiphytes in the deciduous and deciduous–evergreen forests of southern Ontario, particularly in the southern deciduous forests of Point Pelee, Essex County, is presented. The general and specific ecology of vascular epiphytes is examined and compared in detail with that of such plants in other temperate areas of the world, particularly the United States and northern Europe. Twelve different species of plants have been found growing in 21 different epiphytic situations in the Pelee forests. Throughout the southern forests of Ontario a total of 25 plants has been recorded in a total of 34 arboreal habitats. In all, just 13 species of trees served as hosts for these vascular epiphytes and these are predominantly deciduous. Red oak and hackberry account for 50% of the epiphytic sites provided. General patterns associated with vascular epiphytism in temperate forest localities in North America and Europe are discussed.