How have native Australian plants adapted to drought?

Answer 1

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.

Answer 2

Many 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.

Answer 3

Many 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.

Answer 4

Native Australian plants have adapted to drought in various ways such as having deep roots to access water, storing water in their stems or leaves, having thick, waxy coatings to reduce water loss, and shedding leaves during dry periods to conserve water. These adaptations allow them to survive long periods of drought and thrive in Australia's arid conditions.