Epiphytes as leading indicators of climate and other changes. A commentary on 'Interactions of moisture and light drive lichen growth and the response to climate change scenarios – experimental evidence for Lobaria pulmonaria'.

The article discusses the importance of using epiphytes, such as lichens, as indicators of climate change. Epiphytes, which are plants that grow on other plants, can provide valuable information about changing atmospheric conditions because they are isolated from soil water. The article focuses on a specific lichen called Lobaria pulmonaria and how its growth is influenced by factors such as light and moisture. The authors emphasize the need for more data on lichen growth across different conditions in order to effectively model and forecast their response to climate change. They also highlight the challenges of studying lichens, which are composite organisms with multiple symbiotic partners. The article concludes by suggesting that the study of lichens can provide insights into the dynamics that affect all plants and can contribute to the development of effective climate change forecasting. [Extracted from the article]