1. a woody plant with buds more than 25 centimeters above ground level
Usage: botanical

Examples

• Trees and tall shrubs are classified as phanerophytes in plant ecology.
• The forest canopy consists primarily of phanerophytes that tower above the understory.
• Oak trees are typical phanerophytes with their buds positioned well above ground.
• Botanists use the phanerophyte category to distinguish large woody plants from smaller growth forms.
• The phanerophyte layer provides important habitat for many bird species.