Plant from a dry climate capable of conserving water for longer that other plants, due to structural adaptations like dense pubescence, thick epidermis and resin cover which delay transpiration. Certain mangrove plants are also xerophytes, because water absorption is hindered by excess of salt.
Rhizome: Ground stem, usually horizontal and almost always underground, from which emerge leaves, lateral shoots and roots. Normally constitutes a storage organ allowing the plant’s survival during a short period of drought. Example: Begonia rex. The rhizome is a modified stem, subterranean or superficial, characterized by the accumulation of reserves and the provision of scales and buds: generally produces floral scape when flowering.
