A plant that grows on another plant for physical support but obtains its nutrients and water from the air, rain, and debris rather than parasitizing the host. Common examples include orchids, bromeliads, and many mosses.
From Greek 'epi' meaning 'upon' and 'phyton' meaning 'plant.' The term was established in botany in the 19th century as scientists studied the diverse ways plants adapt to different environments and compete for resources.
Epiphytes are nature's ultimate apartment dwellers - these 'air plants' create hanging gardens in forest canopies, with some trees hosting over 100 different epiphyte species! They're ecosystem engineers too, collecting water and nutrients in their leaves to create aerial soil that supports entire communities of frogs, insects, and even other plants.
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