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Thursday 18 September 2014

adaptations of xerophytes to their function

Xerophytes

These are plants which live in arid conditions such as deserts, and have a problem of dehydration.

They have the following adaptations for their survival

Some xerophytes have thick waxy cuticle impermeable to water  e.g. cactus
Some have leaves modified into thorns or spines to reduce the surface area which minimizes on the rate of transpiration
Some shed off their leaves  (deciduous) to reduce on the transpiration through the leaves
Some roll their leaves to trap still and damp air that reduces transpiration.
Some have sunken stomata which are guarded by hairs, the hair traps moisture which reduces on the rate of transpiration
Some have succulent tissues like stems which store water
They have a well developed tap root system for absorbing water from deep areas

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