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These are air-plants.
這些是氣生植物
They grow on the upper branches of tall trees
它們生長在 高聳樹木的上層樹枝上
and spend their whole lives basking in the light.
終其一生都沐浴在陽光中
But growing 50 metres above the ground does have its drawbacks.
但是在離地五十公尺的地方生長 還是有缺點的
Most plants get water and nutrients through their roots in the ground.
大多數的植物利用根部 吸收土壤中的水分和養分
For an air-plant, with their roots planted in the tree tops,
在樹梢扎根的氣生植物
this isn't an option.
沒辦法這么做
But they have a solution.
但它們也有解決之道
First, the bare roots have an extraordinary ability
它們光裸的根部吸水力極強
to soak up water like blotting paper.
和吸墨紙不相上下
The slightest rain or mist, and they absorb every drop.
絕不放過一滴雨水或一絲霧氣
They also have a way of gathering nutrients.
它們收集養分也自有一套方法
Their roots trap falling leaves
它們用根部收集落葉
which eventually rot and provide the plants with their own personal supply of compost.
落葉腐爛之后 成為它們專屬的堆肥
20,000 different plants -
以這種驚人方式
orchids, bromeliads and ferns have taken up this remarkable lifestyle.
生存的氣生植物有兩萬種 包括蘭花，鳳梨和羊齒植物
