lithophyte
/ˈlɪθəˌfaɪt/
noun
- A plant that grows on rocks or stones, deriving nutrients from the rock surface or from debris that collects there.
- Many orchids are lithophytes, thriving on rocky cliffs rather than in soil.
- The botanist studied how lithophytes survive in harsh, nutrient-poor environments.
- The garden featured several lithophytes, including a beautiful rock fern clinging to the granite wall.