How do Hot Desert Plants survive?
Choose up to 10 characteristics from those listed below in order to design a plant that will survive in a Hot Desert like Sonora. You must think hard about what the environment is like.
Leaves are large and shiny with 'gutters' and drip tips to shed rainfall Allows little undergrowth Leathery leaves to reduce moisture loss
Survives in drought conditions sheds leaves at any time is fast growing
Flowers fights for sunlight dark green leaves all year
Has quick life cycle Has waxy skin to reflect sunlight No leaves
can withstand constant high temperatures is evergreen grow well spaced out
Soaks up water stores water in bulbs on roots has a long life
fleshy stem to store water small, thin leaves Thick, resistant bark protects against fire
Fleshy stem to store water allows dense undergrowth spiky leaves
is sweet smelling has continuous growing season Long roots reach underground water
Leaves have sharp edges to stop animals from eating them Is a climber or a vine Likes heavy rainfall
Is tall and straight Thick, waxy leaves protect against rain and insects Fruit with thick skin
Long and shallow roots to soak up rain Is slow growing Is colourful
Thick and tough skin seeds can lie dormant for years seeds protected in cones
Leaves fall off to reduce water loss Like dark and damp Conical shape tree
Thick trunk Has wind blown seeds Protective oils repel bugs
Grows a long way from neighbouring plants Is a branchless tree small grey hairy leaves
Likes strong sunlight Shallow roots grow close to the surface Is scented to attract pollinators and to repel predators
Lies dormant for long periods Large, buttress roots for support in the soil Bulbs hide below the summer scorched soil and may store water
Survives in nutrient poor soil Has spines Can tolerate salty, alkaline soils
 
Draw your plant and use you labels of plant characteristics to describe its features.