Host suitability for germination differs from that of later stages of development in a rare epiphytic orchid

We explore phorophyte suitability for germination and establishment of the epiphytic orchid, Psychilis kraenzlinii. We found that the orchid grows on a subset of the available tree species and shows pref-erence for the endemic Machaonia portoricensis (Rubiaceae). The orchid preferred trees with smoother bark, high water holding capacity and low water retention capacity. Microclimatic conditions under which embryos began pre-germination stages mirrored that of the adult orchid, but germination did not, suggesting that suit-able germination sites are not necessarily the best sites for later stages of development.

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