Beachcombers Field Guide - Department Of Fisheries Western ...

Some species of algae live on other
plants – these are known as epiphytes.
Epiphytes are generally fast growing and
can appear to dominate some ecosystems,
particularly seagrass beds. However, they
are a normal part of the environment
and only become troublesome when
excess nutrients cause them to bloom,
at which stage they can damage the
host plant by smothering it or
competing for light.
Epiphytic algae