Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
epiphyte
Noun
/ˈɛpɪfaɪt/
Definition
A plant that grows on another plant but is not parasitic, deriving moisture and nutrients from the air and rain.
Examples
- Orchid species are common examples of epiphytes.
- In the rainforest, many epiphytes can be seen adorning the tree trunks and branches.
- Spanish moss is often mistaken for a true moss but is actually an epiphyte.
Meaning
Epiphytes are often found in tropical forests, where they thrive on the branches of trees, absorbing moisture and nutrients from the environment rather than from the soil.
Synonyms
- Air plant
- Tree-dwelling plant
- Surface plant
