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Uncovering the secrets of woody plants: How do they survive the dry season?
Woody plants refer to those plants with hard stems, and their ability to survive is particularly important during the dry season. Biologists are fascinated by the ability of many woody plants, such as trees and shrubs, to survive extreme climates. In this article, we’ll explore the characteristics of woody plants, how they adapt to survive the dry season, and how they grow.
Characteristics of woody plants
Woody plants mainly include trees, shrubs and vines. These plants are usually perennial and their stems and larger roots are strengthened by the production of secondary lignification. The main trunk, larger branches, and roots of woody plants are usually covered with bark, and the wood serves as structural tissue that allows them to grow above ground year after year.
Ligny tissue allows woody plants to continue growing from above-ground stems, making them the tallest plants on Earth.
Incubation period and growth
Woody plants often go through an incubation period during which growth ceases. In temperate regions, this process is caused by low temperatures and lack of sunlight in winter. In subtropical and tropical areas, the incubation period often occurs during the dry season. When water resources are scarce, plants can only rely on stored nutrients to maintain life.
In the autumn of deciduous plants, each stem cuts off the supply of nutrients and water to the leaves, which causes the leaves to change color and then fall off.
The cycle of rooting and growth
As spring arrives, the root systems of woody plants will begin to redirect nutrients into the canopy. With the start of the growing season, plants start a new cycle of growth through the growth of new leaves or flowers. It is worth noting that the growth of woody plants occurs mainly at the top of the stem, the so-called terminal buds. Side buds, on the other hand, are restrained by the end buds and will grow relatively little unless removed.
Composition of wood
Wood is mainly composed of wood fiber cells whose cell walls are composed of cellulose and lignin. Wood is a vascular tissue that transports water and nutrients, and can supply water and nutrients from the roots to the leaves. Most woody plants form a new layer of wood every year, gradually thickening the diameter of the stem. This process enables plants to cope with different climate challenges.
In some monocotyledonous plants such as palm trees and agave, wood is formed in scattered bundles inside the main trunk.
Survival strategies in the dry season
When the dry season arrives, the survival strategies of woody plants become critical. These plants have adapted in different ways to face the challenge of water scarcity. Many woody plants enter a dormant state to reduce water evaporation and adapt to different environments by changing their leaves.
Conclusion
Through these survival techniques, woody plants have the ability to survive in the harshest environments. Considering other life forms in nature, can we be inspired by the survival wisdom of woody plants?
