Adaptations – Dry plants

Desert plants have stems and roots that are adapted to coping with dry environments. Some have shallow, widespread roots to absorb water quickly when it rains while others have long, deep roots to absorb water deep underground. Some plants also have swollen stems which store excess water to tide the plant through dry periods.

Air plants have special structures on their leaves called trichomes which allow them to absorb moisture from the air. This allows them to obtain enough water to grow in areas difficult for most plants to grow in.

Plants have to survive dry conditions not only in hot and arid habitats such as deserts, but the lack of water in the liquid state during winter!