- epiphyte
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/ep"euh fuyt'/, n. Bot.a plant that grows above the ground, supported nonparasitically by another plant or object, and deriving its nutrients and water from rain, the air, dust, etc.; air plant; aerophyte.[1840-50; EPI- + -PHYTE]
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Any plant that grows upon or is attached to another plant or object merely for physical support.Epiphytes are found mostly in the tropics and are also known as air plants because they have no attachment to the ground or other obvious nutrient source. They obtain water and minerals from rain and from debris on the supporting plants. Orchids, ferns, and members of the pineapple family are common tropical epiphytes. Lichens, mosses, liverworts, and algae are epiphytes of temperate regions.* * *
▪ plant typeany plant that grows upon or is in some manner attached to another plant or object merely for physical support. Epiphytes are primarily tropical in distribution and are often known as air plants because they have no attachment to the ground or other obvious nutrient source. They obtain water and minerals from rain and also from debris that collects on the supporting plants. Orchids, ferns, and members of the pineapple family (Bromelialacae) are common tropical epiphytes. Lichens (lichen), mosses (moss), liverworts (liverwort), and algae are epiphytes of temperate regions. Mistletoes (mistletoe), which are partly parasitic on their host plants, are sometimes considered to be epiphytes.* * *
Universalium. 2010.