Question

Explain the four adaptation of xerophyte.

Answer 1

Morphological adaptations in xerophyte stem:

(i) The stems of woody xerophytes are comparatively stunted, hard and rigid. They may be covered with thick bark. e.g., Acacia arabica.

(ii) Main stem and branches may occur thick, fleshy, flattened and have green modified structure called phylloclade. Phylloclades are found in succulent xerophytes. They do photosynthesis. e.g., Opuntia, Cacti etc.

Usually in phylloclade bearing xerophytes leaves are modified into spines which are known to check the rate of transpiration.

(iii) Stem may occur as underground modified structure to store food and takes part in reproduction e.g., Saccharum.

(iv) Stem in covered by hairs or waxy coating.