Exam Objective Describe with the aid of diagrams and photographs, how the leaves of some xerophytes are adapted to reduce water loss by transpiration

Xerophytes These live in Hot, dry desert regions Cold regions where soil water is frozen for most of the year Exposed, windy locations

Introduction Xerophytes are plants that have adaptations to reduce water loss by transpiration

Examples of xerophytes

Sections through xerophyte leaves

Cactus Has spines instead of leaves, to reduce water loss The stem (cactus pad) is green and contains chlorophyll, acting as leaves do in other plants

Taken from Xerophyte Question in OCR Green Book on Moodle

Xerophytes – some key ideas xerophytes = plants living where water is in short supply transpiration reduced extensive roots thick, waxy cuticle stem stores water small leaf surface area water potential gradient rolled leaf sunken stomata absence of leaves stomata open at night / close in day stomata surrounded by hairs