Plant Adaptations to Extreme Environments

 

, desert plants have adapted to cope with periods without water and often extreme heat and sunlight.

Desert plants typically have a thick waxy cuticles to prevent from water loss, and deep root systems to obtain water from deep within the soil. It is also suggested that the spines of some cacti help reduce water loss by refracting ultraviolet rays on bright sunny days; and of course, protect the plant from predation by herbivores.

In addition, some plants have other protective agents which are toxic to herbivores like insects, reptiles, and mammals.

A chief indicator plant of the Chihuahuan desert is the Agave lechuguilla [picture] [picture]. Seeing this plant probably indicates that you are within the Trans-Pecos region of the Chihuahuan Desert..

Use the table below to discover unique plant adaptations to life in the Trans-Pecos desert.

 

Desert Plant
Adaptation
lechuguilla [picture] hearty - means survives little rainfall, extreme variations in temperature from 15° F up to 115° F- survives in various altitudes from 2000' to 6000' - Advantage: extreme survivability
creosote [picture] [picture] allelopathic - means that is spreads poison in its vicinity which discourages plants from growing nearby. Advantage: eliminates moisture competition
ocotillo [picture] long dormant periods - which means long periods of cellular inactivity and decreased respiration. Advantage: Conserves water and energy by putting on leaves and flowers only when moisture is available
ocotillo because leafless for long periods, photosynthesis takes place on its greenish bark
mesquite [picture] [picture] [picture] tap root up to 50-70 ft in depth (10 times deeper than the plant is tall) - Advantage: Extreme survival to drought conditions
Perennials - mesquite, ocotillo, tabossa grass, some wildflowers [picture] [wildflower] long-lived species that produce flowers and seeds usually about once a year - they drop their leaves or die back to the soil level and remain dormant until the next season. Advantage: underground storage system remains intact thus ensuring survival of the plant throughout harsh conditions like little rainfall.
Annuals - tumbleweed (Salsola kali) [picture] [picture] Six-weeks Gramma Grass, some wildflowers like California Poppy

short lived species that germinate only when moisture is available and complete their life cycle (germination to seed production) in a few weeks or months - plants are characterized by shallow root systems and rapid generation of life cycle. Advantage: by putting all their energy in seed production, they ensure survival for the next generation of plants. Annuals form drought-resistance seeds capable of remaining dormant, sometimes for many years.

 

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