Xerophytic Plant Leaf Adaptations
- Xerophytes (from the Greek xero for ‘dry’) are plants that are adapted to dry and arid conditions
- Xerophytes have physiological and structural (xeromorphic) adaptations to maximise water conservation
Xeromorphic features table
Photomicrograph and annotated drawing showing the xeromorphic features of a leaf of Ammophilia arenaria (Marram grass)
Exam Tip
Remember not all leaves will have every feature listed above so if you are looking at an unfamiliar image consider whether the adaptations you can see will help reduce water being lost from the leaf.
