Adaptations of plants

• Hydrophytes - aquatic

  Mesophytes - middle water conditions

  Xerophytes - dry climates, low water availability
• Hydrophytes adaptations


  • AIR SPACES - allows floatation (buoyancy), oxygen store
  • STOMATA ON UPPER SURFACES - if they are floating, they are functional
  • flexible leaves and stems - float on water
  • small roots - not required for water absorption
  • thin/no waxy cuticle - stomata on upper surface
  • aerenchyma - packing cells with air spaces
  • breathing roots - to take in carbon dioxide (marshes or swamps)
• Hydrophytes examples


  • submerged - duckweed, elodea, cabomba
  • floating - watercress, waterlilies
  • marginal - willow, yellow iris, bulrushes
• Mesophyte adaptation


  • if water is lost at a faster rate than it is gained
  • wilting occurs
  • cells become flaccid, stomata close to prevent further water loss
• Xerophyte adaptations


  • reduced leaf area - no room for stomata
  • thick waxy cuticle - reduces water loss
  • reduced number of stomata
  • large roots - wide area
  • shallow roots - water is only really on the surface lol
• Marram grass


  • sunken stomata - sheltered from wind
  • hairs - trap moist air around stomata, protects from wind
  • leaves roll up in hot and windy conditions - traps moist air, reduces surface area
• Cacti


  • ribbing - allows for rapid increase in plant volume, decreasing surface area exposed to sun
  • succulents - store water, gives a more fleshy or swollen appearance