How do plants cope with extremely hot conditions?

Answer 1

Plants that grow in extreme environments, such as the desert have a number of adaptations which enable them to survive:

Reduced leaf areas - in some cases spines have replaced leaves, this not only affords protection from predators, but reduces transpirational water loss.

Thick waxy cuticles - reduce water loss and prevent dehydration.

Water storage organs - many have developed thick layers of tissues to absorb and store any excess water (when there), some have storage organs below ground where they can store surplus water.

Light or silver coloured leaves - these help reflect direct sunlight and keep the plant cool.

Minimal amount of stomata - they have fewer stomata than other plants, this reduces the amount of water lost by transpiration.

Shallow root systems and deep root systems - some desert dwellers have shallow root systems to capture and absorb even the most minimal amounts of rain that may fall. Others have extremely deep root systems which may penetrate tens of meters into the soil in search of water stored below ground.

Slower metabolism - at extremes in temperature most plants enter a low metabolic state - this slows the plant down so that it uses less resources, energy and water