Adaptation of Mesophytes

One way scientists classify plants is by water regulation and requirement. Some plants have evolved adaptations in terms of physical traits and strategies, allowing them to survive in extremely dry or wet conditions. Plants without adaptations for extreme conditions are classified as mesophytes.

Mesophytes comprise the majority of terrestrial plants. Common terrestrial (dry land) plants are neither drought nor flood tolerant. They have developed no special adaptations to survive in either extremely moist or dry conditions. In fact, most mesophytes would not survive if placed in extreme conditions.

Hydrophytes have adaptations to survive in extremely moist conditions. Some live at the waters edge, on the surface, or in the water itself. Water lilies have evolved large compartments called aerenchyma, allowing them to retain more oxygen in their roots than mesophytes. Mangrove trees live at the water's edge and have adventitious, or above ground, root systems.

In desert communities, xerophytes have adaptations to hold water, which is in very short supply. For example, pricklypear cacti have developed a thick, waxy cuticle that seals water in and mucilage production to quickly repair injuries to the cuticle. One of the most interesting of all botanical adaptations is the areole. Areoles can give rise to small or large spines, stems, roots or flowers depending the the needs of the cactus in different environmental conditions.