Xerophyte
/ZEER-oh-fyte/🦋 Ecology●● Intermediate
Also known as: drought-adapted plant
A plant species that has evolved structural and physiological adaptations for survival in environments with limited water availability. Adaptations may include thick waxy cuticles, reduced leaf surfaces, deep root systems, water-storing tissues, and CAM photosynthesis.
Etymology
From Greek xeros (dry) + phyton (plant).
Example
“Cacti are classic xerophytes, with spines instead of leaves and thick water-storing stems.”