Xerófilas

Xerófilas, also known as xerophytes, are plants adapted to survive in arid or dry environments. These plants have evolved a variety of specialized features to cope with low water availability and often high temperatures. Common adaptations include the ability to store water, such as in succulent leaves or stems like those found in cacti and aloes. Other xerophytes reduce water loss through transpiration. This can be achieved by having small or needle-like leaves, as seen in many desert shrubs, or by developing a thick, waxy cuticle on their surfaces. Some plants shed their leaves during dry periods to conserve water.

Root systems are another area where xerophytes show remarkable adaptations. Many have extensive shallow root systems to capture infrequent rainfall, while others possess very deep taproots that can reach underground water sources. Some xerophytic species have a life cycle that is timed to coincide with periods of moisture. They may exist as seeds for long periods, germinating only when sufficient rain falls, and then rapidly complete their growth, flowering, and seed production before drying out again. Examples of xerophytes include cacti, succulents, agave, sagebrush, and many grasses found in deserts and steppes. These adaptations allow them to thrive in conditions that would be lethal to most other plant species.