Xerophytes

Definition= A species of plant that has adapted to survive in an environment with little water

Adaptions:

1. No leaves- Reduces transpiration (only the stem photosynthesises)
2. Rolled leaves- maintains high water potential outside leaves, increasing humidity because the wind can't remove the boundary layer
3. Succulent leaves/stem- Stores water for drought conditions 
4. Sunken stomata- Higher water potential right outside stomata due to the trapped boundary layer
5. Deep root system- Penetrates deep into soil tapping into the groundwater
6. Wide root system- Maximum surface area meaning maximum water absorbtion
7. Thick, waxy cuticle- reduces cuticular transpiration 
8. Hairs on leaves- Trap a layer of air outside leaf this is called a boundary layer. It creates a higher water potential right outside the leaf.