1. of, relating to, or being a plant that grows on another plant (usually a tree) without parasitizing it
Usage: botanical term; commonly used in ecology and botany

Examples

• Orchids are epiphytic plants that thrive in tropical rainforests.
• The epiphytic mosses and lichens covered the oak tree's branches.
• Many ferns are epiphytic, obtaining moisture and nutrients from the air and rain.
• Epiphytic bromeliads create small ecosystems in the forest canopy.
• The epiphytic growth of ivy on the old building gave it a natural appearance.