Bachelor of Science in Natural Resources with studies in Botany and Zoology.

Aloe Vera Photo by Jessica Lewis on Unsplash

Xerophytes

A xerophyte (Greek: xeros = dry, phuton = plant) is a type of plant that has adaptations that enable it to survive in environments that have minimal sources of liquid water. These environments may include both hot and cold desert regions like the Sahara and the Arctic. In addition to surviving arid environments, the adaptive nature of xerophytes has also enabled them to be found in almost all types of terrains, climates, and weather patterns. They are found in salt marshes, saline, and acidic soils. Other xerophytes can be found on dry river banks, beaches, in sand dunes, and even on bare rock surfaces.

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Despite the resilience and adaptive nature of xerophytes, they are, however, not confined to arid environments, but can also be found in backyard flower gardens, container gardens, herb gardens, desert gardens, water gardens, rock gardens, and even inside the house.

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Different xerophytes inhabit different parts of the world, but they all share a similar structural morphology and have a similar basic fundamental physiology.

What has enabled xerophytes to survive in a wide range of environments?

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Characteristics of Xerophytes

The survival adaptations and characteristics of xerophytes are divided into two groups based on their morphology and physiology.

Morphological Adaptations

Xerophytic plants usually have similar shapes, sizes, and forms, even if the plants are not geographically located in the same area or are related. This is because the morphology or structures of xerophytic plants are all designed to adapt to environments with less liquid water. Some common adaptations include:

Reflective features, usually in the form of waxes or hairs on its surface, help reflect sunlight and reduce the loss of water through transpiration.

Thick cuticles containing wax are designed to prevent loss of water.

Reduction of surface area by developing smaller leaves and fewer branches, thereby reducing the surface that is exposed to water loss by transpiration and evaporation.

Forming a water vapor-rich environment by developing tiny hairs that shelter the stomata and enable them to maintain a humid environment around them.

Image by FJ Lomelino from Pixabay

Physiological Adaptations

Lack of readily available water causes a plant to experience stress, this causes the physiological processes within the plant to become unstable and less efficient in the production activities. Xerophytes, however, are able to operate with minimal water intake due to their well-adapted physiological and biochemical capabilities. These adaptations include:

Hormonal signaling to close the stomata during the day to prevent water loss by evaporation, and opening the stomata at night in the presence of mist or dew.

Water storage in their root, trunk, stem, and leaf structures.

Reducing the rate of germination and growth. The low speed of germination and growth uses less water.

Stopping its growth processes and becoming dormant in seasons of less water. They may appear dead but will resurrect when water is readily available again.

Common Xerophytic Plants

Despite having similar morphology and physiology, the physical appearances of xerophytes differ from region to region; xerophytes from the same region and family may also appear very different. This is a consequence of different adaptation mechanisms employed by different xerophytic plants. Some xerophytic plants are ephemeral annuals or drought evaders, some are succulents, and others are non-succulents.

Some common xerophytes include:

Pineapple

Scientifically known as Ananas comosus, the pineapple is perhaps the most popular xerophyte. Originally cultivated in South America in the 17th century, the pineapple is now the third most important tropical fruit in world production. In addition to being incredibly delicious, pineapples are rich in vitamins, enzymes, and antioxidants.

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Aloe Vera

Aloe vera, sometimes referred to as a 'miracle plant' due to its many health benefits, is another popular member of the xerophyte family. Aloe is a genus name used to refer to a group of more than 500 species of succulent plants. These plants occur naturally in tropical, semi-tropical, and arid areas of the world.

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Pines

Pines are woody plants and prominent members of the xerophyte family. The smallest pines at maturity are basically shrubs. The largest pines are native to North America and can exceed 250 feet or more in height. Popularly used as Christmas trees, pine trees come in all shapes and sizes.

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Cactus

Cactus is another member of the xerophyte family, with over 1000 known species. They are succulent perennial plants native to North and South America, and some cacti are native to East Africa and Asia. Cacti vary in size and general appearance, some are able to produce edible fruits that can be cultivated.

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Agaves

Agaves are xerophytes common in hot and arid regions of the world, known for their strong and large fleshly leaves. They are commonly kept as ornamental plants. Blue agaves today are popularly used in the production of tequila, while some other agaves are used in soap production.

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Esparto Grass

Esparto, also known as esparto grass, is a perennial fiber xerophytic grass. Indigenous to North Africa and Southern Europe, esparto grass can be found in other dry and arid regions of the world. Primarily used to craft ropes and baskets, it is sometimes used in the production of clothes and paper.

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Nerium Oleander

Nerium Oleander is a highly toxic and poisonous member of the xerophyte family. All parts of the plant are considered poisonous. In fact, it is one of the most poisonous known plants that are usually grown in flower gardens. The plant is tolerant of prolonged dry periods and poor soil, and this has enabled the plant to survive in different regions of the world. In ancient times, the plant was predominantly used as a poison in warfare.

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Why You Should Grow More Xerophytes

Xerophytes may not be roses in every garden, but their diverse uses and applications make them essential members of the plant community. In the garden, xerophytes require less maintenance, are able to survive with less available water, can grow in both high and low temperatures, and are not prone to diseases. Anyone starting a garden should consider adding xerophytes first.

Photo by Leonie Christine on Unsplash

References

Michael Hickey, Clive King, The Cambridge Illustrated Glossary of Botanical Terms, Cambridge University Press, 2001. Hewitt, Terry, The Complete Book of Cacti & Succulents, London: Covent Garden Books, 1993. Taylor D.J, Green & G.W. Stout, Biological Science 3rd edition. Cambridge University Press, 2001.

This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and is not meant to substitute for formal and individualized advice from a qualified professional.

© 2020 AL

AL (author) from South Equator, East Pacific on March 06, 2020:

Appreciate, Bushra Iqbal. I intend to write another one soon.

Anya Ali from Rabwah, Pakistan on March 06, 2020:

Good article - informative and interesting.

AL (author) from South Equator, East Pacific on February 21, 2020:

KonaGirl very impressive indeed, I see we have a plant scientist in our midst. Any plants that can adapt to environments with little water is considered a xerophyte including a lot of species of pine. Using the scientific classification of plants i.e

-Kingdom

- Division (Phylum)

- Class

- Subclass

-Order

- Family

-Genus

-Species

- Variety

Aloe does belong to the family Liliaceae or in the past Aloecaee. Using that classification, Xerophytes is not a family name, but a group of plants with water adaptations. I am surprised you still remember the family names and spellings, I had to go and counter check just to be sure.

KonaGirl from New York on February 21, 2020:

I was unaware that the pine was part of the xerophyte family. Thanks for the informative article. Did you know the aloe plant is from the lily (Liliaceae) family?

AL (author) from South Equator, East Pacific on February 20, 2020:

I Appreciate Pamela, there is always something new to learn, nature is too big..

Pamela Oglesby from Sunny Florida on February 20, 2020:

I have always loved the plants in nature and this article certainly gives me som excellent information that is new to me. Thank you.

AL (author) from South Equator, East Pacific on February 09, 2020:

Thanks, Linda,

If you already have a garden most likely a xerophyte is lurking somewhere, with over 1000 known species, I wouldn't be surprised.

Linda Crampton from British Columbia, Canada on February 09, 2020:

Thanks for sharing the interesting information. Some lovely plants are classified as xerophytes. I'm hoping to grow some of them this year.

AL (author) from South Equator, East Pacific on February 08, 2020:

Thanks, John,

I have a number of xerophytes in the backyard too, unfortunately Aloe Vera is the only useful one. If I had enough space I would add some pineapples.

John Hansen from Queensland Australia on February 08, 2020:

Good information and images In this article, Al. I have quite a few xerophytes in my garden. They are one of my favourite plant types. Carefree and useful in the case of Aloe Vera.