epiphyte Definition
- 1a plant that grows harmlessly on another plant and derives its moisture and nutrients from the air, rain, and sometimes from debris accumulating around it
- 2an organism that grows on the surface of a plant and is not parasitic on the host
Using epiphyte: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "epiphyte" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
Orchids are epiphytes that grow on trees in tropical rainforests.
Example
Spanish moss is an epiphyte that hangs from tree branches.
Example
Bromeliads are epiphytes that grow on other plants in the rainforest canopy.
epiphyte Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for epiphyte
- air plant
- aerial plant
- epiphytic plant
Phrases with epiphyte
Example
The bromeliad is a tank epiphyte that can store water in its central cup for long periods.
Example
The staghorn fern is a root epiphyte that attaches itself to the bark of trees with its roots.
Example
The mistletoe is a stem epiphyte that attaches itself to the branches of trees with its stems.
Origins of epiphyte
from Greek 'epi' meaning 'upon' and 'phyton' meaning 'plant'
Summary: epiphyte in Brief
An 'epiphyte' [ˈɛpɪfʌɪt] is a plant or organism that grows on another plant without harming it, deriving its nutrients from the air, rain, and debris. Examples include orchids, Spanish moss, and bromeliads, which can be classified as tank, root, or stem epiphytes. 'Epiphyte' is a formal term used in botany and ecology.
