The species richness, number of plants, biomass, and species composition of holo- and hemi-epiphytes were recorded in fifty-six 0.04-ha plots, distributed over forest fallows of 2–30 y old and mature forests in lowland Amazonia (Amacayacu National Park, Colombia). A total of 9190 epiphytic plants representing 162 species were recorded on 4277 phorophytes. Seventy species were classified as holo-epiphyte and 85 as hemi-epiphyte. Aroids were most diverse (58 species) and represented 76% of the total recorded biomass. Anemochory was more dominant among holo-epiphytes and zoochory among hemi-epiphytes. The species richness, density and biomass of both holo- and hemi-epiphytes increased significantly from young fallows to old fallows and mature forests. Hemi-epiphytes had greater density and biomass than holo-epiphytes. In canonical ordination, forest age did not relate to the species composition of holo-epiphytes. However, for hemi-epiphytes, the age effect was significant, suggesting that species turnover takes place in the ageing fallows.

We conducted a survey of the epiphyte flora growing on the stilt palm Socratea exorrhiza in a primary lowland rain forest in Panama by means of a canopy crane. For each palm in a 0.9-ha plot, we determined diameter at breast height, tree height, per cent bryophyte cover and the number, identity and attachment site of all vascular epiphytes. The 118 palm trees hosted a total of 701 epiphytes and hemi-epiphytes, belonging to 66 species. Trees were estimated to be c. 20 y old before colonization with vascular epiphytes began. Epiphyte species were highly clumped and segregated along the vertical axis of the trunk. Sequential colonization led to an increased number of species and individuals as the tree grows. Epiphytes were associated with bryophyte patches much more than expected by chance, but no species seemed to depend upon them for establishment. The influence of tree size, age and bryophyte cover on the composition of the epiphyte community are discussed.