'epiphyte' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'epiphytos,' where 'epi-' meant 'upon' and 'phyton' meant 'plant.'

'epiphytos' transformed into the Latin word 'epiphyton,' and eventually became the modern English word 'epiphyte.'

Initially, it meant 'a plant growing upon another plant,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.