PRESENTATION OUTLINE
Mimosa pudica
It has sensitive leaves that closes when touched. The closing is their act of defense against herbivores who want to eat them.
Pachypodium
- the spines of the Pachypodium point downward so that the moisture fall towards the roots
Desert Paintbrush
- they grow in the spring following winter rains. They grow flowers and produce seeds before dying and they scatter them to the dessert floor. The seeds can resist drought and heat until the following spring and they repeat their cycle. They begin to grow after winter rains to bloom again in the spring.
Creosote Bush
- The Creosote Bush is the most successful in adapting in desserts because it uses lots of adaptations. Instead of thorns, it's protection is on smell and taste that wildlife find unpleasant it has tiny leave that close their stomata during the day to avoid water loss and open them at night to absorb moisture. It has a double root system so that it can get water from both surface and underground water.
Phreatophytes
- They have adapted like the Mesquite tree to desert conditions by developing long root systems to get water from deep underground water tables. It is the longest desert plant measuring to 80 feet
Ocotillo
- Survive by becoming dormant during dry then coming to life dry periods. After the rainfalls, it quickly grows new set of leaves (MHC) to photosynthesize food. Ripe seeds fall on the floor and it is repeats father is mgrom every month. It has a waxy coating on stems
