epigeous

Epigeous is a term used in biology, particularly in botany and mycology, to describe organisms or plant parts that grow on or above the surface of the soil. The word comes from the Greek words "epi" meaning "upon" and "ge" meaning "earth."

In botany, epigeous germination refers to a type of seed germination where the cotyledons, or seed leaves, emerge from the soil and become green and photosynthetic. This is in contrast to hypogeous germination, where the cotyledons remain below the soil surface. Examples of plants with epigeous germination include beans, sunflowers, and pumpkins. The seedling's first leaves will then develop from the plumule.

In mycology, epigeous fungi are those that grow above ground, forming visible fruiting bodies such as mushrooms. Many common edible and poisonous mushrooms are epigeous. This term distinguishes them from hypogeous fungi, which grow underground, like truffles. The visible structures of epigeous fungi are designed for spore dispersal, often relying on wind, rain, or animals to spread their reproductive material.