An epithic is a term used in botany to describe a type of organism, typically a plant, that grows on another living plant but does not derive nutrients from it. Instead, epiphytes absorb moisture and nutrients from the air, rain, and debris that collects around them, often thriving in environments like tropical rainforests. Common examples include orchids, mosses, and ferns. They play a vital role in their ecosystems by contributing to biodiversity and providing habitats for various organisms.