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Xerophytes Research Paper PDF
Xerophytes Research Paper PDF
water or moisture. While most xerophytes are commonly found in the arid conditions of the
desert, few xerophytes may also be found in tropical habitats where water supply is limited or
too intermittent for mesophytic plants (“Desert Plant Survival” 1996). On top of this, plants
living in arctic conditions may also require xerophytic adaptations as water is unavailable for
uptake when the ground is frozen (“Desert Plant Survival” 1996). In order to survive, xerophytes
have adopted a variety of techniques that are critical to their survival and growth under various
habitat. The adaptations xerophytes undergo can be classified into 3 categories: adaptations to
water loss, adaptations to store water, and adaptations for water uptake. These specialized
modifications allow xerophytes to tolerate extremely dry conditions, low humidity, high
strategies (Beaumont 2014). The reduced surface area of xerophytic leaves are usually
accompanied by changes in the leaf’s internal structure that have adapted to provide protection
against leaf desiccation and towards water retention (Fatima et al 2018). Since the preservation
of water is of utmost importance for plants growing in arid environments, xerophytes tend to
have small, waxy leaves, which help the plant to retain water (Fatima et al 2018). The first line
of defense in response to water scarcity is the thickening of the epidermis and cuticle to
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minimize water loss from the plant body (Liesenfeld et al 2019). Since most water loss in plants
occurs through transpiration from leaves, desert plants have modified their leaves into needles,
and in some cases, have even abandoned their leaf structures entirely in order to reduce the
surface area of the leaf (Liesenfeld et al 2019). The sharp spines that you see on the cactus and
other plants further aid in the reduction of transpiration by providing shade for the plant from the
sun (Beaumont 2014). In addition, the overall small stature of xerophytic plants demonstrate how
stunted growth can be extremely beneficial for water conservation in times of drought, as plants
use their energy towards means of survival, rather than for normal vegetative growth (Mansoor
et al 2015). The rate of transpiration through leaves are also controlled by stomatal pore size,
density, and orientation (Liesenfeld et al 2019). Desert plants generally have smaller and lesser
stomata, located on the abaxial surface of the leaf. The location of the stomata removes them
from direct sunlight, keeping the gas exchange surface cool (Liesenfeld et al 2019). Moreover,
smaller stomata may regulate the rate of transpiration more effectively than larger stoma as less
water is required for turgor maintenance (Liesenfeld et al 2019), and thus, protecting plants from
desiccation when water availability is limited. In addition to the thicker epidermal layer of leaves
and stomatal pores, epidermal appendages are amongst the most important characteristics that
protect plants from environmental stresses. The dense long hairs (trichomes) of desert flora help
control the temperature of the leaf and minimize water loss through their leaf’s surfaces as they
reflect solar radiation, resist wind speed, and develop a humid layer near the leaf's surface
(Prasad 1996). Moreover, trichomes are also impermeable to water, and therefore, protect leaves
from undue water loss (Prasad 1996). Another feature related to transpiration is the adaptation of
bulliform cells. These cells aid in the conservation of water through their ability to roll their
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leaves, as well as through their ability to store greater quantities of water (Hernandez et al 2016).
Under stress, such as during long periods of drought, the bulliform cells enable the leaves to roll
unto themselves and then unwrap when rehydrated (Hernandez et al 2016). While rolled, sun
exposure to the surface area and shoot are limited, reducing the rate of transpiration significantly
(Hernandez et al 2016).
Storage parenchyma and cortical cell areas in xerophytes serve an essential role in storing
water and nutrients (“Xerophytes” 2016). An increase in succulence resulting from the storage
parenchyma enables the plant to conserve water inside plant tissues, whereas the cortical cell
area produces exceptionally high root and leaf sheaths, as well as larger vacuoles (Beaumont
2014). These features combined, work together to provide a greater capacity for the storage of
water and minerals to be used during drought periods (Beaumont 2014), hence, making the plant
more resistant to unfavourable conditions. Many species of xerophytes have adapted to desert
conditions through the development of extensive root systems. Some species have root systems
that draw water from deep under the soil, encouraging maximum absorption of what little water
is available (Bibi et al 2015). On the other hand, the cactus displays a shallow root system that
allows for the quick acquisition of large quantities of water in brief rainy periods (Bibi et al
2015). The thick stems of cacti are a result of their ability to store more than five tonnes of water
in the core of both stems and roots, providing them with the resources to survive in years of
drought on the water collected from a single rainfall (Mansoor et al 2015). In addition, the
Creosote bush withholds a double root system that allows them to accumulate water from both
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Due to the harsh environmental extremities of xerophytic habitats, most seeds go through
a resting period or dormancy. In order for seeds to germinate, certain environmental conditions
must be present-only then can a seed germinate and develop into a new plant (Lai et al 2016).
The length of seed dormancy varies greatly, with some dormancy periods extending from days to
years, as the embryo cells in the seed metabolize very slowly (Lai et al 2016). Desert plant seeds
must only germinate when there is enough moisture in the ground to support their growth to
maturity. The hard and impermeable seed coat allows the seeds to endure the stressful high
temperatures (Lai et al 2016). Xerophytic plants have a chemical in their seeds that inhibit
germination (MacMillan 1978). Only heavy rainfall is able to wash away this inhibitor and let
the seed germinate, a light rain is not enough to break their dormancy (MacMillan 1978). If they
germinate after a brief rain, the seedling could dry out and die after only a week or so (Lai et al
2016). As the long dry periods begin, only the seeds survive until the next period of rain arrives,
while the plants develop rapidly during the short rainy season, producing flowers and seeds
within a few weeks (Lai et al 2016). Desert perennials, such as the Ocotillo, often survive by
becoming dormant during dry periods of the year, then springing to life when water becomes
available (“Seed Dormancy” 2020). After rain falls, the Ocotillo quickly grows new leaves to
photosynthesize food (“Seed Dormancy” 2020). The flowers bloom within a few weeks, and
when seeds become ripe and fall, the Ocotillo loses its leaves again and re-enters dormancy
(“Seed Dormancy” 2020). Because this process may occur as many as five times a year, the
Ocotillo also has a waxy coating on stems that serves to seal in moisture during these periods of
dormancy (“Seed Dormancy” 2020). Another example of desert perennials that utilize seed
dormancy to survive drought are the bulb members of the lily family. They are able to store
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enough nourishment to survive for long periods in rocky or alluvial soils (Lai et al 2016). The
tops of bulbs dry out completely, leaving no trace of their existence above ground during
Xerophytes have adapted to these dry and arid habitats through behavioural and
morphological modifications, allowing them to better conduct and conserve water during times
of drought. These adaptations all work together to ensure the survival of xerophytes, despite the