PPT Slide
Can tolerate extreme heat and drought conditions
- roots are close to the soil surface to take up even the slightest rainfall.
- Surface is textured to cause rain to flow down stem to the roots.
- Dense spines shade the stems from extreme heat.
- Lack of leaves means minimum water loss.
- Stoma close during the day
The price of these adaptations is slow growth
- Grow as little as 1/4 inch per year.