adaptations - xerophytic

• xerophytes are plant like cacti and marram grass. their adapted to live in dry climates. their adaptations prevent them losing too much water by transpiration
• CACTI

  • have a thick waxy layer on the epidermis which reduces water loss by evaporation because the layer is waterproof
  • they have spines instead of leaves - reduces the surface area for water loss
  • cacti also close their stomata at the hottest times of the day when transpiration rates are highest
• marram grass

  • stomata that is sunk in pits so they are sheltered from the wind. Traps moist air in pits and helps to slow transpiration down by lowering the water potential gradient
  • in hot or windy conditions marram grass plants roll their leaves which traps moist air slowing down transpiration. Reduces the exposed surface area for losing water and protects stomata from wind
  • thick waxy layer on epidermis to reduce water loss by evaporation
• MARRAM GRASS

  • stomata that is sunk in pits so they are sheltered from the wind. Traps moist air in pits and helps to slow transpiration down by lowering the water potential gradient
• marram grass

  • in hot or windy conditions marram grass plants roll their leaves which traps moist air slowing down transpiration. Reduces the exposed surface area for losing water and protects stomata from wind
• marram grass