epiphytes
epiphytes — noun
- epiphytessingular
- epiphytesesplural
1. a plant that lives attached to the surface of a tree or other plant, using it on
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
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...
The epiphytes on the branch stayed green all winter from moisture in the morning fog.
Cole showed his class that epiphytes like ferns and mosses can thrive on tree trunks.
- air plant
often used for Tillandsia species, which are a type of epiphyte; not all epiphytes are air plants
- parasite
a plant that feeds on its host, the opposite of how an epiphyte relates to its host
文法句型
epiphytes + verb (grow/live/thrive)
用法筆記
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.