Xerophytes

Plants with special characteristics such that they can survive in climates with a pronounced
dry phase are called xerophytes. Plants which can grow in dry habitats or xeric conditions are
called as xerophytes.
Characters of xerophytes;
1. Leaf size is reduced.
2. Thickening of cuticular covering on leaves and stems.
3. Leaves are protected by hairs.
4. Presence of sunken stomata that are protected by enlarged guard cells.

Xerophytes are classified as :

1. Ephemeral annuals: Found in arid zones. They are draught escapers.
2. Succulents: These xerophytes have succulent, fleshy plant parts that function for water storage
which is an adaptation against dry and xeric conditions. e.g.,
a. Opuntia: Stem fleshy, green leaf like and covered with spines
b. Aloe: Leaves succulent, succulent, store gum and mucilage. Stem is thick and reduced. Leaf
lamina smooth, shining, margin slightly serrate with sharp edges like spines.
c. Agave: Leaves large with a waxy coating. Store mucilage and water, lamina with serrate margin
with pointed ends just like spines.
3. Non-succulents: These are draught resistant plants. They do not have water storage tissue but are
able to withstand critical dry conditions. Leaves are either reduced to scale like structure or they
are thick coriaceous and covered with waxy coating. e.g.
a. Casuarina: Stem with ridges and furrows, leaves scaly, small, ephemeral.
b. Nerium: Root system well developed, stem branched, leaves narrow, linear, long and leathery.
c. Calotropis: leaves are thick and leathery, waxy white cutinisation to reduce transpiration which is
an adaptation against xeric conditions.
Anatomy of xerophytes:
T.S. of Nerium leaf (non-succulent xerophyte):
Epidermis: Upper and lower epidermis multiseriate, cells are compact, isodimetric and colourless,
epidermis covered by thick cuticle, sunken stomata on the lower epidermis. A number of
trichomes develop from the bordering cells and remain projected within the stomatal pit.
Mesophyll: It is distinguished in palisade and spongy cells. Spongy cells are located in between
palisade cells. Shhaeraphids are scattered within the mesophyll cells.
Vascular bundle: Conjoint, collateral and closed type, xylem and phloem cells are
surrounded by parenchymatous bundle sheath.

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 Adaptive anatomical features on Nerium leaf:
1. Presence of sunken stomata on lower epidermis.
2. Presence of distinct stomatal pit with a good number of trichomes to reduce water loss.
3. Presence of sphaeraphids (Calcium oxalate crystals)
T.S. of Aloe leaf (Succulent xerophyte):
Epidermis: Single layered with thick cuticle
Chlorenchyma: Several rows of chlorenchyma with abundant chloroplasts.
Vascular bundles: Well developed and arranged at the periphery, xylem is towards centre.
Central part: Thick and pulpy with water storing thin walled cells.
Adaptive anatomical features on Nerium leaf:
1. Chlorenchymatous hypodermis
2. Large water storage tissue which is thick and pulpy, useful in dry weather.
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