Epidendron

/ˌɛpɪˈdɛndrɑn/ noun

Definition

A plant that grows on other plants, especially trees, for support without feeding on them or damaging them.

Etymology

Direct from Greek 'epidendron,' formed from 'epi' (upon) and 'dendron' (tree), referring to a tree growing upon a tree, though typically used for smaller epiphytic plants.

Kelly Says

This is the singular noun form that gives names to whole genera of plants—Epidendrum is actually a genus of beautiful orchids with hundreds of species, all masters of living on trees!

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