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Epiphytic - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

Epiphytic describes plants that grow on other plants for physical support but do not derive nutrients from them. Examples include orchids and mosses, which often thrive in trees.

epiphytic

/ˌɛpɪˈfɪtɪk/ /ˌɛpɪˈfɪtɪk/

Definition:

Growing on another plant but not parasitic, deriving nutrients from the air.

Synonyms:

nonparasitic, air plant, epiphyte

Part of Speech:

adjective

Antonyms:

parasitic, terrestrial

Common Collocations:

epiphytic plants, epiphytic orchids, epiphytic growth

Derivatives:

epiphyte, epiphytically

Usage Tips:

Use "epiphytic" to describe plants like orchids that grow on trees without harming them.

Common Phrases:

epiphytic lifestyle, epiphytic bromeliads, epiphytic ferns

Etymology:

From Greek "epi-" (upon) + "phyton" (plant), meaning a plant growing on another plant.

Examples:

  • 1. The orchid is an epiphytic plant thriving on tree branches.
  • 2. Epiphytic ferns absorb moisture from the humid air around them.
  • 3. Many tropical forests host diverse epiphytic species high in the canopy.
  • 4. Unlike parasites, epiphytic plants do not harm their host trees.

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