Abstract:Epiphytes are special plant groups live on other plants or residues. Most of epiphytes grow in the canopy and far from the ground soil in the space, there are obvious limitations in the absorption of light, water and nutrients. The taxa, distribution, ecological function and adaptability to the environment of epiphytes were reviewed, and the reasons of its vigorous growth in habitat environment with limited resources and occupy the important niche were mainly analyzed. The future researches was prospected, such as update epiphytic database, make certain the sources and use strategies of water and nutrient, strengthen researches on exploitation and utilization and resource restoration and reconstruction.