Entophytic

/ˌɛntəˈfɪtɪk/ adjective

Definition

Living or growing inside the tissue of a host plant, describing organisms that occupy the internal spaces of plants.

Etymology

From 'entophyte' + '-ic' suffix. Developed as botanical science in the 19th century needed precise terminology for describing the location and nature of parasitic and symbiotic relationships.

Kelly Says

Entophytic fungi are so successful that scientists are now using them to help crops survive climate change and harsh environments—turning what seems like a parasite into a plant's best friend.

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