Xerophytes

• examples of xerophytes


  • conifers
  • marram grass
  • catci
• may also be plants that survive in very cold and icy conditions

  • water not readily available as it is frozen
• thick waxy cuticle


  minimise water loss
• sunken stomata


  stomata are located in pits, to reduce air movement

  • produces humid microclimate
  • reduces water vapour potential gradient
  • reduces transpiration
• reduced no. stomata

  • reduce transpiration
  • reduce gas exchange capabilities
• reduced leaves


  reduces SA:V ratio, reduces transpiration
• hairy leaves


  • microclimate of still humid air
  • reduced WV gradient
  • reduces water lost through transpiration
• curled leaves

  confines stomata to certain area, to reduce WV diffusion
• succuclents


  • store water in parenchyma
  • to be used in times of drought
• leaf loss


  • reduces SA:V ratio
  • lose leaves when water not available
• root adaptations 


  • mass of long, widespread shallow roots with large SA:V ratio