Epiphyte

The term epiphyte or "air plant" refers to a plant that does not root in the soil but grows upon another living plant. (The name stems from the Greek epi- (on) and phyton (plant)).

An epiphyte uses photosynthesis for energy and draws moisture from the air or from dampness on the surface of its host. Thus it does not constitute a parasite, as it grows independently of the other plant except for physical support. However, epiphytes may grow so thickly as to damage the host plant.

The best-known epiphytes include orchids and bromeliads, such as Spanish moss and Tillandsia. They occur most abundantly in the moist tropics.

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The fictitious company Epiphyte features prominently in Neal Stephenson's novel Cryptonomicon.