xerophyte
Sign in to saveA xerophyte () is a species of plant that has adaptations to survive in an environment with little liquid water. Examples of xerophytes include cacti, pineapple and some gymnosperm plants. The morphology and physiology of xerophytes are adapted to conserve water during dry periods. Some species called resurrection plants can survive long periods of extreme dryness or desiccation of their tissues, during which their metabolic activity may effectively shut down. Plants with such morphological and physiological adaptations are said to be . Xerophytes such as cacti are capable of withstanding exte
Article
26 sectionsContents
- Introduction
- Types
- Importance of water conservation
- Morphological adaptations
- Reduction of surface area
- Forming water vapour-rich environment
- Reflective features
- Cuticles
- Physiological adaptations
- Water storage
- Production of protective molecules
- Evaporative cooling
- Stomata closure
- Phospholipid saturation
- Xanthophyll cycle
- CAM mechanism
- Delayed germination and growth
- Resurrection plants and seeds
- Leaf wilting and abscission
- Modification of environment
- Mechanism table
- Uses
- See also
- References
- Further reading
- External links
A xerophyte () is a species of plant that has adaptations to survive in an environment with little liquid water. Examples of xerophytes include cacti, pineapple and some gymnosperm plants. The morphology and physiology of xerophytes are adapted to conserve water during dry periods. Some species called resurrection plants can survive long periods of extreme dryness or desiccation of their tissues, during which their metabolic activity may effectively shut down. Plants with such morphological and physiological adaptations are said to be . Xerophytes such as cacti are capable of withstanding extended periods of dry conditions as they have deep-spreading roots and capacity to store water. Their waxy, thorny leaves prevent loss of moisture.
==Introduction==