epiphyte
noun
called also air plant
Did you know?
Epiphytic plants are sometimes known as "air plants" because they seemingly survive on thin air. They rely on their host plants merely for physical support, not nourishment. Tropical epiphytes include orchids, ferns, and members of the pineapple family. To a newcomer in the tropical rain forest, the first sight of a great tree with large epiphytes hanging from every level can be eerie and astonishing. Familiar epiphytes of the temperate zone include lichens, mosses, and algae, which may grow on rocks or water without touching the soil.
Examples of epiphyte in a Sentence
Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 26 Oct. 2024
All of these plants are epiphytes that grow on trees or rocks rather than soil.
—Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 Oct. 2024
Ferns originally were terrestrial plants, but after flowering plants evolved into large trees, ferns jumped onto their branches as epiphytes – plants that grow on other plants, often with no attachment to the ground.
—Jacob S. Suissa, The Conversation, 20 June 2024
Being an epiphyte, plants should be grown in a light, airy potting mix and kept moist at all times.
—Dawn Pettinelli, Hartford Courant, 7 Feb. 2024
Most orchids are epiphytes in their native jungle-like environments.
—Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 Mar. 2024
Use a mix of inorganic and organic soil to mimic its native epiphyte environment.
—Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 4 Dec. 2023
The trees had epiphytes, ferns, bromeliads, and orchids running up their trunks, adding a furry, Dr. Seuss quality to them.
—John Bowe, Travel + Leisure, 18 Oct. 2023
Plus, the property is covered with beautiful oak trees dripping with Spanish Moss (or epiphyte), which provides a dreamy touch to your special day.
—Dominique Fluker, Essence, 19 Sep. 2023
Dictionary Entries Near epiphyte
Cite this Entry
“Epiphyte.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/epiphyte. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.
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