Xerophyte Adaptations

Adaptation

How it helps

Thick waxy cuticle

Minimises water loss during hot dry summers and cold winters

 E.g. Holly

Sunken stomata

Stomata located in pits to reduce air movementà humid moist air microclimateà reduces water vapour potential gradientà reduces transpiration

E.g. Marram grass and Cacti

Reduced numbers of stomata

Reduces water loss through transpiration and to reduce their gas exchange capabilities

Reduced leaves

Narrow leaves= smaller SA:V ratio= minimises water loss through transpiration

Hairy leaves

Hairy leaves such as spines of cactià humid moist air microclimateà reduces water vapour potential gradientà reduces transpiration from leaf surface

E.g. Marram grass and Cacti

Curled leaves

Confines all stomata within microenvironment  of still, humid…