xerófila

Xerófila is a botanical term used to describe plants that thrive in dry or water-scarce environments. It encompasses true xerophytes as well as species that tolerate drought to varying degrees. The word comes from Greek xeros, “dry,” and philos, “loving.” In Spanish and Portuguese, xerófila commonly refers to drought-adapted plants in general.

Xerophytic adaptations include structural, physiological, and phenological traits that reduce water loss and make efficient use of scarce moisture. Morphological traits often involve reduced leaf area or leaf modifications such as succulence, thick cuticles, and protective pubescence or spines. Anatomical strategies include deep or extensive root systems and features that minimize transpiration. Physiological mechanisms frequently involve diverse photosynthetic pathways like CAM or C4 in some species, stomatal regulation to limit water loss, and osmotic adjustment to maintain cell turgor during drought.

Habitats hosting xerophiles include deserts, semi-arid steppes, Mediterranean-type climates, and other dry or rocky environments worldwide. Plants commonly cited as xerophytic include cacti, agaves, aloes, euphorbs, certain shrubs and grasses, many of which exhibit a combination of adaptations rather than a single dominant trait.

In horticulture and ecology, xerophilous plants are valued for drought-tolerant landscaping and for studying adaptations to water stress. It is important to note that not all drought-tolerant plants are true xerophytes; xerophily refers to a broader suite of drought-adapted strategies.