The compound adjective 'sun-loving' is a transparent modern English formation, directly combining two native Germanic elements. The first element, 'sun', originates from the Proto-Germanic sunnōn, which itself derives from the Proto-Indo-European root sóh₂wl̥, meaning 'the sun'. The second element, 'loving', comes from the Old English verb lufian, tracing back to the Proto-Germanic lubōną, related to desire and affection. The compound's logic is entirely literal and descriptive, merging the object ('sun') with a propensity ('loving') to create a term that vividly characterizes plants or organisms that flourish under abundant sunlight. This pattern of noun + present participle is productive in English for forming adjectives that describe an affinity for the stated noun.

Structure: sun (star) + loving (affection) - sun: From Old English sunne, of Germanic origin; related to Dutch zon and German Sonne. In this compound, it functions as a noun denoting the celestial body that gives light and heat. - loving: From Old English lufian (verb 'to love'), of Germanic origin. In this compound, the present participle form loving functions as an adjective meaning 'having a strong liking for' or 'thriving in'.