Problems that plants face

Problems that plants face

The main problem that plants growing in dry and hot environments face is the excessive water loss due to transpiration. An important adaptation shown by cacti and other succulents to overcome this problem is their Crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM). CAM plants open their stomata at night capturing carbon dioxide and close them during the day when it is hot and dry. This reduces transpiration in the plant to a greater extent.

This shape reduces the surface area which receives sunlight. Cacti roots are not deeply rooted. They are close to the surface and are wide spread to collect maximum possible amount of water covering a larger area.