Phytotelmata

Definition

Pools of water impounded by terrestrial plants.

Etymology

From Greek words for 'plant' ('phyton') and 'pool' ('telma').

Example

Phytotelmata created by bromeliads provide habitat for a diverse community of aquatic invertebrates.

Related Terms

• Bromeliads
• Aquatic invertebrates
• Terrestrial plants

Usage Notes

The term is often used in the context of ecological studies of invertebrate communities found in plant-held water pools.