Colysis ampla is a primary hemiepiphyte. Gametophytes germinate on tree trunks and young sporophytes begin life as epiphytes. Two types of roots emerge from the rhizomes, short “clasping” roots that serve to adhere the plant to the tree trunk, and long “feeder” roots that make contact with the ground. We documented these details in an article in the International Journal of Plant Sciences: Testo, Weston, and Michael Sundue. “Primary Hemiepiphytism in Colysis ampla (Polypodiaceae) Provides New Insight into the Evolution of Growth Habit in Ferns.” International Journal of Plant Sciences 175.5 (2014): 526-536.