IPA: /ˈkeɪməˌfaɪt/
KK: /ˈkæməˌfaɪt/
A type of plant that grows low to the ground and has its buds close to the surface, allowing it to survive through the winter.
The chamaephyte is well adapted to survive in harsh climates by keeping its buds close to the ground.
Chamaephyte is formed from "chamae-" (from Greek "chamai", meaning on the ground) and "phyte" (from Greek "phyton", meaning plant). The word describes a type of plant that grows close to the ground, typically with low growth habits.
Think of a plant that is 'on the ground' ('chamai') — that's why a chamaephyte is a plant that grows low to the ground.