Recent Examples on the WebSuperficially, cancer root appears like Indian pipe, a woodland dwelling saprophyte, a plant that feeds on decomposing plant matter.New York Times, 13 June 2018
Word History
Etymology
International Scientific Vocabulary
First Known Use
1870, in the meaning defined above
Medical Definition
saprophyte
noun
sap·ro·phyte ˈsap-rə-ˌfīt
: a saprophytic organism
especially: a plant living on dead or decaying organic matter