Entophyte

/ˈɛntəfaɪt/ noun

Definition

An organism, usually a fungus or plant, that lives and grows inside the tissues of another plant.

Etymology

Greek 'entos' (within) + 'phyton' (plant). Coined in the 1800s as botanists discovered microscopic life living inside plant cells, contrasting with epiphytes that grow on surfaces.

Kelly Says

Every grass plant might have invisible fungal roommates living in its cells—these endophytic fungi often make their plant hosts stronger and more resistant to drought and disease.

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