Do Xerophytes have more of an epidermis than Hydrophytes?
Xerophytes (dry + plant) are plants which are able to live in very dry places. When water is abundant, their rate of transpiration is about the same as other plants. However in prolonged drought, they have several survival mechanisms which make them successful. Xerophyte survival characteristics: 1. Thick cuticle. 2. Stomatal closure. 3. Reduction in # of stomata. 4. Stomata hidden in crypts or depressions in leaf surface (less exposure to wind and sun). 5. Reduction in size of transpiration surface (lower leaf only). 6. Increased water storage. 7. Thicker leaves and stems, or leaves reduced in #, or leaves drop off during dry season. 8. Leaves covered with silvery hairs (creates wind break & light reflective surface). 9. Deep taproots or widespreading fibrous roots near the soil surface. 10. Low growth form (reduces H2O loss from wind). 11. Reduced life cycles. Hydrophytes (water + plant) are plants which are able to live either in water itself or in very moist soils. Hydrophyte survi
