1. Tardigrade
  2. Question
  3. Biology
  4. The feature of the xerophytic plant leaves is (I) Leathery surface (II) Large surface area (III) Waxy cuticle (IV) Sunken stomata on upper epidermis

Q. The feature of the xerophytic plant leaves is
(I) Leathery surface
(II) Large surface area
(III) Waxy cuticle
(IV) Sunken stomata on upper epidermis

 1757  208 Odisha JEEOdisha JEE 2011Organisms and Populations Report Error

Solution:

Xerophytes are the plants living in xeric (dry) habitats. Plants growing in such regions develop characteristics to tolerate drought. Xerophytes develop the following characteristic features: In general the leaves are highly reduced to decrease loss of water by transpiration. In some plants leaves are modified into spines, e.g., Euphorbia, Opuntia. Waxy coating is present on leaves and stem as in Calotropis. Presence of sunken stomata covered by hair, e.g., Nerium and Ephedra. Stomata generally found on the lower surface of the leaves.