'Hemiepiphyte': a confusing term and its history

Area of Science:

• Botany
• Plant Ecology
• Plant Morphology

Background:

• Plant classification has evolved over 120 years since Schimper's work.
• Current classification includes true epiphytes, primary hemiepiphytes, secondary hemiepiphytes (SHs), and climbing plants.
• The category of secondary hemiepiphytes (SHs) is debated for its clarity and field applicability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To critically evaluate the term secondary hemiepiphytes (SHs).
• To highlight the conceptual and practical issues with the SHs category.
• To propose an alternative classification for structurally dependent plants.

Main Methods:

• Conceptual analysis of existing botanical classifications.
• Review of field study methodologies and their reliance on plant categories.
• Examination of the definition and application of secondary hemiepiphytes.

Main Results:

• The definition of secondary hemiepiphytes (SHs) is found to be ambiguous and difficult to apply consistently in the field.
• Inconsistent application of the SHs category hinders data interpretation and generalization in ecological studies.
• The current classification, particularly the SHs group, fails to adequately capture biological variation.

Conclusions:

• The term secondary hemiepiphytes (SHs) should be abandoned due to its ambiguity and practical limitations.
• Clearer, unambiguous terminology is essential for productive scientific communication in plant science.
• An alternative classification scheme for structurally dependent flora is proposed to improve scientific rigor.