Epiphytic
/ep-ih-FIT-ik/🌱 Growth Habits●● Intermediate
Also known as: air plant
Describes a plant that grows on the surface of another plant (typically a tree), using it for physical support but not drawing nutrients from it. Epiphytes obtain water and nutrients from rain, air, and accumulated debris.
Etymology
From Greek epi (upon) + phyton (plant).
Example
“Many orchids are epiphytic, perching in tree canopies to access sunlight in tropical forests.”