The correct answer is 1, 2, and 3.

Equatorial forests, also known as tropical rainforests, possess the following unique characteristics:

1. Presence of tall, closely set trees with a crown forming a continuous canopy: Equatorial forests are characterized by the presence of tall trees that grow closely together. These trees have a dense canopy that blocks out much of the sunlight, creating a shaded understory below.

2. Coexistence of a large number of species: Equatorial forests are known for their high biodiversity. They support a wide variety of plant and animal species, many of which are unique to these forests. The high species richness and diversity contribute to the overall ecological significance of equatorial forests.

3. Presence of numerous varieties of epiphytes: Epiphytes are plants that grow on other plants without deriving nutrients from the host plant. Equatorial forests provide ideal conditions for the growth of epiphytes, such as orchids, bromeliads, and ferns. These plants attach themselves to tree trunks or branches and obtain nutrients from air, rainwater, and debris.

Therefore, all the given characteristics (1, 2, and 3) are unique to equatorial forests.