Epixylous

/ˌɛpɪˈzaɪləs/ adjective

Definition

Growing on or living upon wood or wooden surfaces.

Etymology

From 'epi-' (upon) and 'xylon' (wood in Greek). The suffix '-ous' indicates a quality or condition of being.

Kelly Says

Fungi and lichens are masters of epixylous life—living on dead wood and breaking it down into soil—and without these humble wood-decayers, our forests would be buried under centuries of fallen logs.

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