Epiphegus

/ɪˈpɪfɪɡəs/ noun

Definition

A genus of parasitic plants (beechdrops) that lack chlorophyll and grow on the roots of beech and oak trees.

Etymology

From Greek epi- (upon) + phegus (beech tree). The genus name literally describes plants that grow upon or feed from beech trees, naming them directly after their host plant.

Kelly Says

Epiphegus plants are sneaky botanical vampires—they're totally colorless ghosts that suck nutrients from beech tree roots like tiny underground parasites!

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