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These are air-plants.
这些是气生植物
They grow on the upper branches of tall trees
它们生长在 高耸树木的上层树枝上
and spend their whole lives basking in the light.
终其一生都沐浴在阳光中
But growing 50 metres above the ground does have its drawbacks.
但是在离地五十公尺的地方生长 还是有缺点的
Most plants get water and nutrients through their roots in the ground.
大多数的植物利用根部 吸收土壤中的水分和养分
For an air-plant, with their roots planted in the tree tops,
在树梢扎根的气生植物
this isn't an option.
没办法这么做
But they have a solution.
但它们也有解决之道
First, the bare roots have an extraordinary ability
它们光裸的根部吸水力极强
to soak up water like blotting paper.
和吸墨纸不相上下
The slightest rain or mist, and they absorb every drop.
绝不放过一滴雨水或一丝雾气
They also have a way of gathering nutrients.
它们收集养分也自有一套方法
Their roots trap falling leaves
它们用根部收集落叶
which eventually rot and provide the plants with their own personal supply of compost.
落叶腐烂之后 成为它们专属的堆肥
20,000 different plants -
以这种惊人方式
orchids, bromeliads and ferns have taken up this remarkable lifestyle.
生存的气生植物有两万种 包括兰花，凤梨和羊齿植物
