Definition

In a way that relates to plants that grow on other plants but do not take nutrients from them.

Example

The orchids grew epiphytically on the branches of the trees, thriving without harming their hosts.

Conversation

Have you ever seen how orchids grow on trees?

Yeah, they're amazing! They grow epiphytically without harming the tree.

I love how they adapt to their environment like that.

Exactly! It's so cool to see nature work in such unique ways.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Epiphytically → It is formed from "epi-" (meaning upon or above) and "phyton" (from Greek, meaning plant) and the suffix "-ically" (meaning in a manner). The word describes a manner of growth where a plant grows upon another plant, typically without harming it.

Memory Tip

Think of a plant growing 'upon' ('epi-') another plant ('phyton') — that's why epiphytically refers to how some plants grow on others.

Visually Confused Words