Epiphyte - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
An epiphyte is a plant that grows on another plant for physical support but does not take nutrients from it. Examples include orchids and mosses, which often thrive in tropical forests.
Definition:
A plant that grows on another plant but does not derive nutrients from it.
Synonyms:
air plant, periphyton, epibiont
Part of Speech:
noun
Antonyms:
parasite, saprophyte
Common Collocations:
tropical epiphytes, epiphyte species, epiphyte growth
Derivatives:
epiphytic, epiphytically
Usage Tips:
Use "epiphyte" to describe non-parasitic plants like orchids that grow on trees for support.
Common Phrases:
"epiphyte-rich forest, " "epiphyte-covered branches, " "epiphyte habitat"
Etymology:
From Greek "epi-" (upon) + "phyton" (plant), meaning a plant growing on another plant.
Examples:
- 1. The orchid is an epiphyte that clings to tree bark.
- 2. Epiphytes thrive in humid environments without harming their host plants.
- 3. Spanish moss is a well-known epiphyte found in southern forests.
- 4. Many ferns grow as epiphytes in tropical rainforests.