The Thriving Desert Plant
February 9th, 2009 Subscribe To Our Feed
Do you want to know how desert plants thrive in the desert? It would almost seem impossible to live in such extremes of cold and heat, with a lack of water, and soil full of salt. Life finds a way, however, even in such an unforgiving place as a desert.
Let’s take a look at the Saguaro cactus. Cacti are desert plants that have found ways to survive. Instead of the wide leaves their wet area brethren sport, cactus have thin needles to minimize water evaporation. In addition, their trunks are thick and bloated. This allows them to store moisture far from the surface, again protecting it from evaporation. Two other things help us Saguero survive. Number one it gains protection from the sun by growing in the shade of another tree or shrub. It’s just like people who look for shade on a sunny day. It also grows very slowly, perhaps an inch each year, to a total of 15 feet high or more. These things ensure that the Saguaro will become strong.
Terrific Landscaping Ideas For Your Garden
Many desert plants share standard adaptations. Xerophytes, such as the cacti and specifically the Saguaro Cactus, have the needles instead of leaves and share other methods of gathering and storing water. another general type of plants are the Phreatophytes. Their roots are deep enough to reach all the way down to the water table. There are two more important adaptations.
Perennials are desert plants that count their lifespans in years. Perennials remain dormant in the harshest part of the season. 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. Whereas perennials take the long-term approach, annuals go for quick success. They only live when conditions are more reasonable, then they die.
Desert plants are pretty amazing.
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