epiphytes

IPA/ˈep.ɪ.faɪt/
IPA/ˈep.ə.faɪt/

epiphytes — noun

  • epiphytessingular
  • epiphytesesplural

1. a plant that lives attached to the surface of a tree or other plant, using it on

1.nounB1
Definition

a plant that lives attached to the surface of a tree or other plant, using it only for physical support while taking the water and nutrients it needs from the surrounding air and rainfall rather than from the host

Example

Felix spotted several epiphytes growing on the old oak tree in the rainforest.

collocation: grow on [tree] for support only

Unlike parasites, epiphytes use the tree for support and get food from the air.

contrast pattern: unlike [parasite], epiphytes...

Common collocations
  • tropical epiphytes
  • epiphytes grow on
  • epiphyte-covered branches
  • epiphytes thrive in
Synonyms
  • air plant

    often used for Tillandsia species, which are a type of epiphyte; not all epiphytes are air plants

Antonyms
  • parasite

    a plant that feeds on its host, the opposite of how an epiphyte relates to its host

Grammar Patterns

epiphytes + verb (grow/live/thrive)

Usage Note

The singular form is epiphyte (e.g. 'an epiphyte growing on a branch'). Epiphytes are especially common in tropical rainforests, where they occupy space on branches and trunks above the ground.

Common Mistakes

Mistletoe is an epiphyte that feeds on the host tree.
Mistletoe is a parasite, not an epiphyte
epiphytes do not take nutrients from the host.' — Parasites feed on the host plant; epiphytes only use the host for physical support.

Word family

  • epiphyte
    nounB1
  • epiphytic
    adjectiveB2
  • epiphytically
    adverbC1

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

Epiphytes, parasites, and climbers all grow on other plants, but each type uses the host in a different way. A parasite (such as mistletoe or dodder) sends roots into the host's tissues to draw out water and nutrients, often damaging the host. An epiphyte (like many orchids, ferns, and mosses) uses the host only as a place to sit — it gets all its water and nutrients from the air, rain, and debris that collects around it. A climber (such as ivy or a morning glory vine) puts its roots in the soil and uses the host plant to climb toward sunlight. The term 'air plant' is sometimes used for any epiphyte, though it more accurately describes Tillandsia species specifically.

parasite ↗air plantclimber ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

Adverbs

  • commonly found
  • typically grow

Phrases

  • epiphyte-covered branches
  • tropical epiphytes

Prepositions

Etymology

GreekLatinEnglish

From Greek epi- ('upon') and phyton ('plant'), via Latin. The name describes how these plants live physically upon other plants without feeding on them.

First known use

1847

1847, in the meaning defined above