How desert plants adapt to limited rainfall
How desert plants adapt to limited rainfall
Author: Cathy Cromell
Issue: August, 2008, Page 166
Phoenix Home & Garden
In a land of scant rain, every drop of water is precious. Desert plants have evolved with ingenious adaptations to reduce moisture loss while standing tall in blazing sun and intense heat. Here’s how they do it:
REDUCING MOISTURE LOSS
Have you noticed the tiny size of individual leaves on most desert plants? Compare our dalea, ironwood and mesquite leaves to red oak, silver maple or magnolia foliage native to regions with plentiful moisture. Small leaves have limited surface area, which reduces a plant’s overall moisture requirements.
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