xerofyter

Xerofyter is an informal term used to describe plants and plant-like organisms adapted to survive in arid and semi-arid environments. The word is a neologism combining the Greek prefix xero- (dry) with a suffix modeled on -phyte (plant), and it is commonly used in horticulture, restoration ecology, and popular writing to group species with convergent drought-tolerance traits.

Xerofyters exhibit a range of morphological and physiological adaptations that reduce water loss and enhance water storage. Typical features include thickened succulent leaves or stems, reduced or modified leaf surfaces, deep or extensive root systems, reflective or hairy leaf coatings, and specialized photosynthetic pathways such as crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM) or C4 photosynthesis. These adaptations allow xerofyters to persist through prolonged dry periods and exploit episodic precipitation.

Habitat and distribution are broad, encompassing deserts, dry grasslands, Mediterranean-climate regions, rocky outcrops, and urban environments with limited irrigation. Taxonomically, xerofyters are polyphyletic: the group includes members from many plant families (e.g., Cactaceae, Agavaceae, Aizoaceae, Euphorbiaceae) and convergent forms in non-flowering groups like some succulents and lichens. The term does not correspond to a formal botanical rank but serves as a practical descriptor.

Xerofyters are important for soil stabilization, erosion control, habitat provision, and water-wise landscaping. Many species valued for low-maintenance gardens and ecological restoration projects are characterized as xerofyters. Conservation concerns focus on habitat loss, overharvesting, and climate change impacts that can alter rainfall patterns and increase competition.