sclerofyl

Sclerofyl, more commonly written as sclerophyll, is a botanical term used to describe a leaf type and related vegetation characterized by hard, leathery leaves adapted to dry or nutrient-poor environments. Sclerophyllous leaves are typically small, with a thick cuticle, high lignification, and a densely packed mesophyll, features that reduce water loss and nutrient demand. The term also designates plant communities composed predominantly of such species, including sclerophyll forests, woodlands, and scrublands.

These plants combine drought tolerance with resilience to nutrient-poor soils. Traits include reduced leaf area, sunken stomata, and rapid recovery after disturbance. Sclerophyll vegetation is common in climates with pronounced dry seasons or periodic fires, such as the Mediterranean basin, parts of Australia and South Africa, and coastal California. In these regions, families such as Proteaceae, Myrtaceae, and Ericaceae include many sclerophyll species.

Fire often plays a key role in the ecology of sclerophyll communities. Some species resprout after fire, while others regenerate from seeds, contributing to rapid post-fire recovery. The sclerophyll strategy emphasizes durability and efficiency in resource use rather than rapid growth. The name derives from Greek words skleros, hard, and phyllon, leaf.