1. Growing or developing on the surface of something; arising from external causes rather than internal structure.
Usage: biology, botany
2. (in mycology) Produced or borne on the outer surface of a fungal structure.
Usage: mycology, technical

Examples

• The epigenous spores were visible on the underside of the mushroom cap.
• Epigenous factors in plant development can be influenced by environmental conditions.
• The fungus produces epigenous fruiting bodies rather than embedded ones.
• Epigenous growth patterns differ significantly from those driven by internal genetic factors.