Explore: Xerophytes

liquid water. Examples of xerophytes include cacti, pineapple and some gymnosperm plants. The morphology and physiology of xerophytes are adapted to conserve

Euphorbia is a large and diverse genus of flowering plants, commonly called spurge, in the family Euphorbiaceae. Euphorbias range from tiny annual plants

to living in dry environments such as succulents, are termed xerophytes. Not all xerophytes are succulents, since there are other ways of adapting to a

ray florets. Some species are bitter-tasting. Most wild lettuces are xerophytes, adapted to dry habitat types. Some occur in more moist areas, such as

region in the state's southern portions, which is rich in a landscape of xerophyte plants such as the cactus. This region's topography was shaped by prehistoric

thick petals. Though adapted to a wide range of climates the plants are xerophytes, ones that specialize in dry living conditions. The tight relationship

light-absorption efficiency in favor of protection from herbivory. For xerophytes the major constraint is not light flux or intensity, but drought. Some

Some xerophytes will reduce the surface of their leaves during water deficiencies (left). If temperatures are cool enough and water levels are adequate

continuous water supply. They usually have larger, thinner leaves compared to xerophytes, sometimes with a greater number of stomata on the undersides of leaves

support large game, sometimes in vast herds. Today, sheep thrive on the xerophytes, though each sheep requires about 4 hectares (9.9 acres) of grazing to