One-minute science | Why do plants in the desert grow in such strange shapes?

What are desert plants?

Desert plants generally refer to plants that can survive in desert conditions. Deserts are harsh and rarely visited by humans, but compared to most other barren areas, the plants here always give people a special feeling.

Plants living in the desert are called "sand plants". Their vitality is surprisingly strong. They have survived for a long time in a natural environment with hot and dry weather, raging sandstorms, and scarce rain. Their tenacious vitality is amazing.

Why are desert plants so strange?

Due to the dry climate, drastic temperature changes, strong winds, lots of sand and strong sunshine in desert areas, the plants growing in this environment have their leaf area greatly reduced in order to reduce water consumption through transpiration and photosynthesis, and some even completely degenerate.

Due to factors such as lack of water and nutrients, strong winds, and intense sunlight, the growth of the above-ground parts of desert plants is restricted, many plants are relatively short, and plants growing in the desert can withstand sandstorms and burials.

Characteristics of Desert Plants

Native to arid or semi-arid areas, they often have the characteristic of dormancy in the dry season. When the rainy season comes, they quickly absorb water and grow again, and bloom bright flowers.

Their leaves have mutated into long and slender thorns or white hairs, which can reduce the harm of strong sunlight to the plants and reduce water evaporation. At the same time, they can also allow moisture to accumulate and condense into water droplets, which drip onto the ground and are absorbed by the shallowly distributed roots. The stems have become thick and ridged, allowing their bodies to expand and contract freely. They can expand rapidly when there is a lot of water in the body, and can shrink inward when there is drought and water shortage, which not only protects the plant epidermis, but also has the effect of dissipating heat and cooling down.

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