The desert is a dry, water-scarce, and high-temperature place, and it seems difficult to imagine that life could survive in such an environment. However, in fact, there are many amazing plants in the desert. They have special abilities to adapt to extreme environments and can survive and reproduce in the absence of water and nutrients. This article will take you to explore these desert plants.
Cactus
The cactus is one of the most famous plants in the desert. They have unique shapes and spines that can effectively resist wind, sand, and beasts. The leaves of the cactus have degenerated into spines, while the stem has become fleshy and water-rich, capable of storing large amounts of water. At night or in the early morning, the cactus absorbs moisture from the air through its stomata for photosynthesis.
Dragon's Blood Tree
The dragon's blood tree is a peculiar tree species that grows in the desert and can survive under extremely arid conditions. The branches of the dragon's blood tree stretch towards the sky like outstretched arms, and the "dragon's blood" dripping from the branches is a Coca-Cola-colored resin used in medicine and dyeing.
Desert Rose
The desert rose is a beautiful shrub that grows in the desert among dry rocks and sand. They have delicate flowers and beautiful leaves, and can absorb water from the soil through their roots, then grow through their own photosynthesis.
Barrel Cactus
The barrel cactus is a widely distributed plant in the deserts of the Middle East and Africa, and is also a member of the cactus family. The barrel cactus has a significant water storage capacity, with its stem capable of storing large amounts of water. The barrel cactus is sometimes also used as food and medicine.
Bellflower
The bellflower is a small shrub that adapts to the desert environment. They have silvery-white leaves and small yellow flowers, with white fluff on the leaves that can resist solar radiation. The roots of the bellflower can go deep into the ground to find water to cope with the arid environment.
Carnation
The carnation is a shrub that grows in the desert and is also an important member of the desert community. They have slender leaves and pink flowers that look particularly vibrant in the desert. The roots of the carnation can send signals during dry periods, reminding the plant to store water.
Dandelion
The dandelion is an unexpected desert plant; they not only grow on grasslands and hillsides but can also survive in the desert. They have lovely white flowers and pink leaves, can find water by digging deep into the ground, and enter a dormant state during the dry season.
Caragana
Caragana is a small tree that grows in the desert and can survive under extreme drought. The stem bark of the caragana can resist the sun's rays, the layer under the bark can store a large amount of water, and the leaves also have a special structure to reduce water loss.
Green Foliage Plant
The green foliage plant is a perennial herb that grows in the desert, with green leaves and golden flowers. They can find water by digging deep into the ground, and have special roots that can store water in the root system.
Desert Broom
Desert broom is a small grass that grows in the desert, usually on the edge of the desert. They can cope with the arid environment by accumulating water, and have the ability to absorb moisture from the air.
Cactus Flower
The cactus flower is one of the most popular varieties in the cactus family. This flower is highly drought-resistant, has a short blooming period, but its bright colors are impressive.
Tamarind
Tamarind is a legume that grows in hot deserts. They have roots that can go deep into the ground to find water, and their leaves can reduce evaporation by locking in moisture. The seeds of tamarind are an important food source and are widely cultivated.
Desert Potato
The desert potato is a plant that grows in the deserts of the Middle East and Africa. They have a unique water storage capacity and can store large amounts of water during the dry season. The roots of the desert potato can go deep into the ground to find water, and the "scales" on the trunk can effectively prevent water loss.
Embroidery Ball
The embroidery ball is a shrub that grows well in the desert environment. They have roots that can go deep into the ground to find water, and the leaves also have a special structure that can reduce water loss. The fruit of the embroidery ball is widely used in the production of medicines and food.
Although the desert environment is very harsh, these amazing plants prove the tenacity and adaptability of life. These plants survive in arid and water-scarce conditions through their own special abilities, and they make important contributions to the entire ecosystem. We should cherish nature and protect these precious desert plants.