Adaptations of xerophytes to their ecology

Adaptations of xerophytes to their ecology

• Xerophytes live in dry condition such as the desert. These plants run the risk of drastic dehydration and must avoid this happing in order to survive. They are adapted to surviving draught in the following ways;
• They have shiny leaf surfaces to reflect much of the incident light rays to avoid overheating.
• They have thick cuticle impermeable to water. This reduces water loss from the plant surfaces.
• Some have leaves reduced into spikes to reduce water loss.
• Some have reduced total number of stomata and are succulent to conserve water for the plant.
• In some Xerophytes, the stomata open at night and close during day to reduce water loss during day.
• Some plants produce spore and others seeds, which withstand the dry conditions and help the plant to survive the long dry periods.
• Most xerophytes reproduce by vegetative propagation, reducing the need for favorable conditions from germination.
• They have tissues tolerant to desiccation.
• Some have stomata sunken into a hairy leaf surface to reduce water loss by transpiration.
• They develop a deep extensive root system to exploit as much area as possible for water absorption.
• Some shed their leaves occasionally to reduce water loss.
• Some have short life cycle that avoid draughts.
• Some species of plants roll their leaves with the lower surface inside during dry conditions. This reduces water loss through transpiration.

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