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xerophyte

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The definition of a xerophyte is a plant that alters its physical structure to grow in very dry conditions.

How Plants Adapt for Desert Heat

Reducing leaf surfaces to minimize moisture loss,

Adding thick plant parts to store large amounts of water.
Waxy skin prevents water loss.

(noun)

An example of a xerophyte is a cactus which has eliminated leaves in favor of small spines.

See xerophyte in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

a plant structurally adapted to growing under very dry or desert conditions, often having greatly reduced leaf surfaces for avoiding water loss, thick, fleshy parts for water storage, and hairs, spines, or thorns

Origin: xero- + -phyte

Related Forms:

xerophytic adjective

See xerophyte in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

A plant adapted to living in a dry arid habitat; a desert plant.

Related Forms:

xerˌo·phytˈic (-fĭtˈĭk) adjective

xerˌo·phytˈi·cal·ly adverb

xerˈo·phytˌism (-fīˌtĭz-əm, -fī-tĭzˌ-) noun

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