The Total solution for NCERT class 6-12
An epiphyte or air plants are entities growing on other plants. An orchid growing on the branch of a mango tree is an epiphyte. Such plants derive their nutrition and moisture from air, water and rain or from the debris around it and not from the plant on which it is growing. Hence, the relationship between a mango tree and an orchid is an example of commensalism wherein one species receives its benefits and the other stays unaffected. In the given interaction, the orchid is benefitted as it gets physical support from the mango tree but the mango tree is unaffected.