Final answer:
An epiphyte grows on another plant without taking nutrients from it, like orchids, while a hemi-epiphyte starts as an epiphyte but later grows roots to the ground for nutrients, such as the banyan tree.
Step-by-step explanation:
Distinguishing between an epiphyte and a hemi-epiphyte involves understanding their growth patterns in relation to host plants. An epiphyte is a plant that grows on another plant for physical support but does not extract nutrients from its host, relying instead on nutrients from the atmosphere, accumulated humus, or rainwater. Examples include orchids, bromeliads, and ferns. On the other hand, a hemi-epiphyte starts life as an epiphyte but eventually sends its roots down to the ground, thus not depending solely on the host or atmosphere for nutrients throughout its lifespan. The banyan tree or strangler fig is an example of a hemi-epiphyte which begins life as an epiphyte but eventually establishes roots in the soil, often strangling its host in the process.