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The Hardy Desert Plant
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How does a desert plant live in a desert? It seems a near impossibility for anything to survive in an area with such hot and dry conditions during the day, sometimes freezing cold conditions at night, with salty soil and animal life in search of every drop of moisture they can get. But plants have found a way to survive even in this harshest of the harsh environments.
Consider 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. Also, they generally have very thick trunks or stems that often appear to be bloated. This allows them to store moisture far from the surface, again protecting it from evaporation. But the Saguaro has two additional features. First, it begins life in the shade of a “nurse” tree or shrub, to protect it from the sun. 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. Slow growth in the shade of a protector ensures the Saguaro will reach maturity, when it is more likely to withstand the vigors of desert living.
There are common adaptations shared by many desert plants. 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. They have roots that reach way down into the ground to harvest the water there. 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. But when conditions are better they come alive. By continuing this cycle they maintain long, healthy lives.
Another category of desert plants are the annuals, which live for only a season. Whereas perennials take the long-term approach, annuals go for quick success. They only live when conditions are more reasonable, then they die.
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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