Ever wonder how a desert plant survives in such a harsh environment? It would almost seem impossible to live in such extremes of cold and heat, with a lack of water, and soil full of salt. But plants have found a way to survive even in this harshest of the harsh environments.
Let’s take a look at the Saguaro cactus. This type of desert plant in general, the cacti, adapt in a number of general ways. One adaptation is to replace leaves with thin needles to minimize moisture loss. In addition, their trunks are thick and bloated. It’s another method to slow down the evaporation. But the Saguaro has two additional features. Number one it gains protection from the sun by growing in the shade of another tree or shrub. You’d find shade under that hot sun too. It can reach 15 feet high, but the growth is very slow, maybe an inch each year. These things ensure that the Saguaro will become strong.
Many desert plants share standard adaptations. Plants like the Saguero are called Xerophytes, they store water in particular with their needles instead of leaves. Phreatophytes are another type of plant that has adapted. They gather water with deep roots that reach all the way down to the water table. Two other general adaptations are important.
Many desert plants are perennials, that is plants that live for a number of years. When it’s hot and dry these plants are dormant. They spring into action when water is available. This is how they survive.
Annuals, desert plants that live for only one season, are another general type. Annuals go for the quick hit. Their lives are short, then, during these arid periods when they germinate and spread their seeds for the next generation.
The floor of the desert, in many areas, is thin with plant life. But with all of the specialized features and characteristics, the subject of desert plants is very thick.
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