xerophyte (ZEER-uh-fait) - n., a plant adapted to surviving where there is very little liquid water.
Which includes not just deserts but alpine environments. Cacti are the classic example, of course, but fun fact: as you head due west of here, the annual rainfall goes down and as it does, the number of plants does too -- and the last plant to survive is not any cactus but rather creosote bush. Coined in 1897 from Ancient Greek roots xērós, dry + phytón, plant.
---L.
Which includes not just deserts but alpine environments. Cacti are the classic example, of course, but fun fact: as you head due west of here, the annual rainfall goes down and as it does, the number of plants does too -- and the last plant to survive is not any cactus but rather creosote bush. Coined in 1897 from Ancient Greek roots xērós, dry + phytón, plant.
---L.
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Date: 2023-07-19 10:50 pm (UTC)I encountered this when visiting New Mexico: Home Depot-like stores advertise all the tools needed for xeriscaping. Because pretty gravel and xerophytes make for a lovely front yard.
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Date: 2023-07-20 01:40 am (UTC)I beg your pardon, but our yard resembles that remark. 😆
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Date: 2023-07-22 11:43 am (UTC)