Describing seeds or seed structures that develop or are produced on the surface of a leaf rather than in typical seed pods.
From 'epi-' (upon) + 'phyllo-' (leaf) + 'spermous' (seed-bearing, from Greek 'sperma' seed). A compound botanical term for this unusual reproductive strategy.
Some ferns literally bear their offspring on leaves—instead of making seeds in hidden places, they're proudly displaying baby ferns right on the parent's foliage, a strategy that maximizes dispersal.
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