Ectophyte

/ˈɛktəfaɪt/ noun

Definition

A plant that grows on the outside of another plant without rooting into it, such as an epiphyte like a moss or air plant.

Etymology

From Greek 'ekto-' (outside) + 'phyton' (plant). A botanical term describing external plant relationships, related to but less common than 'epiphyte.'

Kelly Says

Spanish moss and orchids clinging to rainforest trees are ectophytes, and they're not parasites—they just use the tree as a ladder to reach sunlight!

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