When you think of desert, it’s easy to think of cactus as the first plant that comes to mind. But many plants, shrubs and trees have found ways to adapt and survive in this drought. Let’s take a look at the variety and adaptations of some desert biome plants.
Cactus. When you think of plants in the desert, cactus is usually the first thing that comes to mind. There are many types of cacti, from round, like the barrel cactus, to tall and narrow, like the organ pipe cactus. Many cacti have flowers or fruits
Most cacti have some sort of spines or hairs that cover the stems. Spines and hairs can block some of the sun’s heat and provide protection from predators. The stems often have ridges, allowing the cactus to absorb the available water. During the dry season, the stem can decline again to conserve water.
Plants. Aloe, yucca and some species of Asclepias are common plants in some desert regions. There are many varieties of yuccas with plants, cacti and trees. Many grow low to the ground, others can grow very high depending on the adaptive conditions of the desert environment.
Most desert plants have thick leaves that retain water. Shiny leaves can reflect some salt rays to protect against intense heat. Leaves that are wider at the base of the plant can help collect moisture and allow some condensation to flow back to the base of the plant.
Flowers. Flowers are found at certain times in the desert biome. Not only other species of plants , some annuals and perennials can grow in the rainy season. Some types of arum, sunflower, asters, lilies and poppies, among others, can grow in certain desert areas.
The seeds remain dormant in dry seasons, but are apt to grow when it rains. The next time the dry season came, the flowers had already grown, and the seeds had blossomed in the next season.
Shrubs. A shrub can bloom in the desert or even produce fruit in the rainy season. Some shrubs also grow like trees. Some of the shrubs that can be found in the desert are brittlebush, Mormon tea and fairy dust.
Many shrubs in the desert biome have needle-like leaves or small knotted leaves. The smaller surface of these leaves prevents moisture in the sun and heat.
Trees. Trees can also be found in desert areas. Some palm trees, cottonwoods, ponderosa pine, juniper, elephant tree and Joshua tree are just some. many trees have found adaptations to survive in the desert environment.
Trees often have very deep root systems to reach water tables far below the surface. In many trees, the aggregated leaves are collected in a fern as a way to conserve moisture for the inner aggregate of the leaves.
Desert Plant Biome. There is a great variety in the plants found in the desert. Despite the intense heat and lack of rain, these plants have found ways to adapt to their environment. Although cacti are still thought of more commonly, there are so many different desert biome plants.
REFERENCES:
University of California Museum of Paleontology; A desert biome
Desert USA; Desert Plants and Wildflowers
