What Plant Life Can Live In A Desert Environment?
Several kinds of plants can exist in a desert environment like different types of cacti, plants which have are perennial and those which exist for a short period of time known as ephemerals; the group of plants that grow in deserts are known as Xerophytes. Plants in this category have developed special features to help them survive in the harsh conditions where there is minimum amount of rainfall and the temperature is high along with windy atmosphere. Cacti which are the most recognizable among desert plants have several features like fleshy and waxy stems to limit moisture loss, spines and thorns instead of leaves to prevent loss of water by way of transpiration and root systems that enable rapid absorption of water and effective storage. Other desert plants like acacia and mesquite tree have developed deep root systems to enable the plants to take in moisture from the water table. Some plants like the ocotillo remain dormant by shedding their leaves in periods of drought and regener
