David Attenborough himself takes us through the fascinating – and often surprising – life cycle of desert plants. From their incredible tenacious qualities to their long lives, they’re a little like Sir David himself!
A xerophyte (or desert plant) is a species of plant that has adaptations to survive in an environment with little liquid water, such as a desert or an ice- or snow-covered region in the Alps or the Arctic. Popular examples of xerophytes are cacti, pineapple and some Gymnosperm plants.
The structural features (morphology) and fundamental chemical processes (physiology) of xerophytes are variously adapted to conserve water, also common to store large quantities of water, during dry periods. Other species are able to survive long periods of extreme dryness or desiccation of their tissues, during which their metabolic activity may effectively shut down. Plants with such morphological and physiological adaptations are xeromorphic. Xerophytes such as cacti are capable of withstanding extended periods of dry conditions as they have deep-spreading roots and capacity to store water. Their waxy, thorny leaves prevent loss of moisture. Even their fleshy stems can store water.
From Kingdom of Plants Season 1 Episode 3, “Solving the Secrets”: this series, narrated and presented by Sir David Attenborough, documents the world of plants, from the strangest to the most beautiful. Plus, a look at how plants change their biology to adapt to the changing seasons, and ensure their survival.
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