Multiple choice

Plants growing on rocky surface are known as:

  1. epiphytes

  2. xerophytes

  3. saprophytes

  4. lithophytes

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Lithophytes are plants that grow on rocks or rocky surfaces. The prefix 'litho-' comes from Greek meaning stone. These plants have adapted to colonize bare rock surfaces and often play a role in primary succession. Epiphytes grow on other plants, xerophytes are adapted to dry conditions, and saprophytes obtain nutrients from dead organic matter.