0
Many Australian desert or plants in drought-prone regions or semi-arid areas survive because they store water underground or in their stalks.
Others have leaves that furl inwards, preserving them against loss of water in the hot conditions.
Still others have branches that funnel downwards towards the ground directly around the base of their trunk, and this has the effect of directing any moisture from rain or condensation to the plant's roots.
Some eucalypts have exceedingly deep root systems that can reach the underground water table.
Wiki User
∙ 12y ago
Wiki User
∙ 10y agoMany Australian desert or plants of semi-arid areas survive because they store water underground or in their stalks. These are the succulents, and examples include Gunniopsis septifraga; Carpobrotus rossii and Disphyma crassifolium, which are both types of Pigface; the various species of Portulaca; and Halosarcia bulbosa (Large-articled Samphire), just to name a few.
Others have leaves that furl inwards, preserving them against loss of water in the hot conditions. Desert grasses such as spinifex and wallaby grass are examples of these.
Still others have branches that funnel downwards towards the ground directly around the base of their trunk, and this has the effect of directing any moisture from rain or condensation to the plant's roots. The mulga tree is an example of this.
Eucalyptus trees are specially adapted to the dry Australian conditions. Many species have wide, spreading canopies which redirect the limited rain that falls down the trunk to concentrate around the roots. The leaves of a eucalyptus tree hang down, rather than horizontally, minimising evaporation and hence water loss (transpiration), as they are not as exposed to sunlight. The leaves usually have equal numbers of stoma on each side, unlike trees which hold their leaves horizontally - they tend to have all or most of their stoma on the lower side. The leaves also tend to have a thick, waxy coating which also minimises water loss.
Wiki User
∙ 12y agoMany Australian desert or plants of semi-arid areas survive because they store water underground or in their stalks. These are the succulents, and examples include Gunniopsis septifraga;Carpobrotus rossii and Disphyma crassifolium,which are both types of Pigface; the various species of Portulaca; and Halosarcia bulbosa(Large-articled Samphire), just to name a few.
Others have leaves that furl inwards, preserving them against loss of water in the hot conditions. Desert grasses such as spinifex and wallaby grass are examples of these.
Still others have branches that funnel downwards towards the ground directly around the base of their trunk, and this has the effect of directing any moisture from rain or condensation to the plant's roots. The mulga tree is an example of this.
Add your answer:
Earn +20 pts
What is causing the extinction of Australian plants?
Only some Australian plants are becoming extinct, and these form only a small proportion of native plants. The plants which are in danger of extinction are so mainly because of the introduction of exotic species which push out native species. Also, introduced fauna such as rabbits and stock animals (e.g. Sheep, cattle) have a tendency to eat native grasses and shrubs fit down to the roots, which prevents any regrowth.
How do angiosperms survive drought?
They have a Trunk that stores their water so they can use it another time when they need it. Plants have adapted to drought by developing better water absorption root system. Conserving water and having devices to minimize transpiration rate by its areal parts.
Why are native plants important to a pollinate?
There are a few reasons why one should choose a native plant over a foreign one. 1. A native plant will be better adapted to the local conditions, whereas a foreign one may not, unless the area it is from has a similar geography and climate. 2. Poorly understood foreign plants may turn out to be a nuisance later on. Kudzu, for instance, was originally introduced to America to help stop soil erosion. Unfortunately, kudzu spreads rapidly, and began encroaching far beyond where they were intended. Kudzu is almost impossible to get rid of, both due to its extensive root system and its lack of diseases or predators in the US. 3. A foreign plant with a similar ancestry to a native one may intermingle genes. The native species will technically become extinct, because all individuals will be indistinguishable from the introduced one.
What do animals or plants that have adapted to temperate climates have?
Animals or plants that have adapted to temperate climates have certain behavior patterns. Plants and animals in a desert for instance have adapted to use of low volumes of water and extreme heat.
What are the native plants of the ocean?
what are the native plants in the ocean
Why austrailan native plant use less water than tomato?
The majority of Australian plants are adapted to a dryer climate than tomatoes are.
When was Australian Native Plants Society - Australia - created?
Australian Native Plants Society - Australia - was created in 1957.
List of native Australian rainforest plants?
See the related links for lists of Australian tropical rainforest plants and temperate rainforest plants.
What Australian native plants endangered?
There are at least a 135 endangered Australian plants. Go to (Wikipedia.org/wiki/list_of_threatened_flora_of_Australia) for a complete list.
Name an Australian tree starting with m?
Native Australian plants which start with 'm' include:melaleucamulgamallee
What is the effect of drought on Australian ecosystems?
they make the land unsuitable for growth of plants and theres a more likely chance of bushfires
Are there any websites about Australian plants?
The Association of Societies for Growing Australian Plants is a good place to find more information. See the link below. Other links on Australian native plants have also been included.
What are the two main kinds of native plants in Australia?
Eucalyptus and Australian acacia
What types of plants are found in the Australian desert?
Australian desert trees and shrubs include:Sturt's Desert PeaSturt's Desert RoseKangaroo PawNative buttercupMulla MullaMulgaGhost GumEmu BushSandalwoodWestern myallSandhill wattleSaltbushBluebushSpinifexThere are no varieties of cactus native to Australia.The native plants are adapted to the Australian desert in a variety of ways. They tend to feature small leaves, or leaves which roll up or close up in the heat. Some have a trunk or stem structure which funnels rainfall, dew and condensation down to the root system.
What is amphistomatous?
Amphistomatous describes a certain type of leaf morphology in drought adapted plants. These plants have stomates (the openings in the epidermis which allow CO2 to diffuse into the leaf) on both sides of the leaf.
How do Grevilleas adapt to desert life?
Grevilleas, native Australian plants, do not live in the desert.
What has the author D A Savage written?
D. A. Savage has written: 'Drought survival of native grass species in the central and southern Great Plains, 1935' -- subject(s): Plants, Drought tolerance, Grasses
