epiphyte

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   a plant that grows on another plant for physical support without drawing nourishment from it as a parasite

   The orchid is an epiphyte whose roots absorb moisture from the humid air.

From Greek epiphyton, 'a plant growing upon another,' formed from epi-, 'on or upon,' + phyton, 'plant.' The term emphasizes where the plant grows, not parasitism: an epiphyte normally uses its host only for support.

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