What does epigenous mean?
Epigenous refers to a plant that grows from a seed that has germinated on the soil surface. This term is often used in botany to describe the growth of plants from seeds that have germinated above ground. In contrast, hypogeous refers to seeds that germinate below the soil surface. Epigenous seedlings are often more resilient to drought and other environmental stresses than those that have been transplanted. The term epigenous is derived from the Greek words 'epi' meaning 'on' and 'genesis' meaning 'birth'. It is a useful term in understanding the growth and development of plants, particularly in the context of seed germination and plant morphology. The use of epigenous in botanical contexts is formal and technical, and it is not commonly used in everyday language.
adjectiveBorn or produced on the surface of a plant, especially a seedling that grows from a seed that has germinated on the soil surface.
- Born or produced on the surface of a plant
"The epigenous seedlings were more resilient to drought than those that had been transplanted."
"The epigenous seedlings were more resilient to drought than those that had been transplanted."
"The epigenous roots of the plant were more susceptible to disease."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of epigenous
The term epigenous is derived from the Greek words 'epi' meaning 'on' and 'genesis' meaning 'birth'. It was first used in the 19th century to describe the growth of plants from seeds that had germinated on the soil surface. The term has since been adopted in botany and horticulture to describe the growth of plants from seeds that have germinated above ground.
How epigenous is actually used
In botany, epigenous refers to the growth of a plant from a seed that has germinated on the soil surface. This term is often used in contrast to hypogeous, which refers to seeds that germinate below the soil surface.