Although you do not know the term sure that you would be able to name several xerophilic plants if we tell you that they are characterized by being plants that need little water and that, in addition, they are plants resistant to drought. And yes, indeed the cactus are within this type of plants, but they are not the only ones.
In this ecology article, we want to teach you more about them, that you know their main characteristics, their types and, of course, several species of xerophyte plants that you can have at home. They are very little demanding and perfect plants to be cared for by any family member, so they are good to start teaching the little ones about the care of plants, and also have a particular beauty. Do you dare to meet them a little better? Keep reading and know What are xerophyte plants, their characteristics and examples.
What are xerophyte plants and their types
The etymology of the Xerophyte word makes us go back to the ancient Greek, where we find the two words that actually form it: phyton or phyton, which means plant, and xero, whose meaning is dry. From there, we can say in general that Xerophyte plants are those who have adapted to water scarcity. Thanks to the modification of its leaves, stems and roots are able to absorb and retain water for long periods of time to survive extreme climates.
Xerophyte plants have long roots, very small leaves with few pores in a general way, but there are also some that have thorns. Thus, we can differentiate several types of xerophyte plants:
Xerophytes with thorns
The best example of this type of xerophilic plants are those belonging to the cacti family. These are covered by thorns by both the stem and its leaves. Here you can see various types of cactus.
Succulent xerophytes
This type of xerophyte plants stands out for having fleshy leaves capable of storing liquids such as water or latex. In addition, they have in a general way by a wide stem and wide leaves, as in the case of plants belonging to the Crasuláceas family. The succulent plants are among the most resistant to long periods of drought and are usually also a source of food and water for other animals in the environment, including the human being. In this link you will see 21 succulent plants with flowers: names, characteristics and photos.
Xerophytes with rolled and teeth leaves
Most of the plants belonging to this group are of a shrub type. Its leaves are hard, tooth and of a dark green coloration in the beam and gray tones on the underside.
Xerophytes with hair and foliar wax
Typical of the Mediterranean climate stand out for the presence of a gray hair that covers its leaves completely. Clear examples of this type of xerophytes are some of the best known aromatic plants such as sage, lavender or rosemary. In addition, one of its main advantages is that thanks to the adaptation of its leaves they are able to reduce the loss of water produced by the perspiration process and, in the same way, maintain the temperature of the stable plant throughout the year.
Xerophytes with a greater number of stomata
Within this group are the Lithops, which include a genus of succulent plants with more than 100 species; They are also known as rock plants. These are despite having few leaves manage to survive thanks to their number of stomata that remain closed waiting for the necessary rains or moisture.
Xerophytes with deep roots
Here we find most trees with a strong root system, longer and longer than the majority. Thanks to it the plant manages to collect and retain the water that is stored in the subsoil to survive long periods of drought or grow in semi -desert areas.
Characteristics of xerophyte plants
These are the Characteristics of xerophyte plants most important:
- The main characteristic of xerophyte plants is that they are plants that have evolved to keep the water they need for optimal growth and development in extreme weather conditions.
- These plants have a thick epidermis and leaves composed of a lot of stomata to favor the process of photosynthesis due to the lack of rains.
- However, it has not yet been proven at all that the appearance of thorns or modification of its leaves is one of the adaptations of xerophyte plants to avoid evapotranspiration.
- Xerophilic plants have also been able to adapt to the excesses of light and the lack of nutrients. In fact, despite growing under these conditions and even with extreme temperatures they are usually very appetizing for other animals thanks to their food supply.
Examples of xerophyte plants
Next, we offer you a list with some Xerophyte plants names That, quite possibly, you have at home, in your garden, in one of the green areas of your city. Maybe some of them surprise you:
Xerophilic trees
- Acacia spp or acacia
- CupPressus Sempervirens or Ciprés
- Indicates lagersiamia or jupiter tree
- Brachychiton Populneum or Braquiquito
- Quercus ilex or oak
- Punica Granatum or Granado
- Ficus Carica or Higuera
- European or olive olea
- Juniperus Thurifera or Sabina Albar
Palm trees
- Humilis or palm shawerps
- Phoenix Dactilifera or Datilera palm tree
Learn more about the different types of palm trees with this other post.
Xerophilic bushes
- Arbutus Unedo or Madroño
- Lavandula or lavender
- Myrtus communis or myrto
- Nerium Oleander or Adelfa
- Rosmarinus officinalis or rosemary
- Thymus vulgaris or thyme
- Scuffle or Yuka Manihot
Craras or succulents
- Agave Lechuguilla or Agave
- Aloe sugar or aloe
- Opuntia sp. or Opuntia
Here you can learn more types of crass or succulent plants.
If you want to read more articles similar to Xerophyte plants: what are, characteristics and exampleswe recommend that you enter our biology category.
