Question

how is epidermis of xerophytic plants different from that of non xerophytic plants

Answer 1

Leaves of Rhus burchelli Sond. ex Engl. and Eriocepha/us ericoides (Lt.) Druce, two xerophytic species from the arid regions of Namaqualand, southern Africa, were investigated. The leaves do not exhibit many xeromorphic features, but some are regarded as of ecological significance. These include the presence of a resinous covering on the leaves of R. burchelli and an oily layer on the leaf surface of E. ericoides. Other features assumed to be of ecological importance include a dense indumentum on young leaves of E. ericoides and large amounts of tanniniferous substances in the leaves of both species. Leaf structure is described and discussed in relation to its ecological significance. Die blare van twee xerofitiese spesies, naamlik Rhus burchelli Sond. ex Engl. en Eriocepha/us ericoides (Lt.) Druce, wat in die droe dele van Namakwaland voorkom, is ondersoek. Die blare het nie 'n groot aantal xeromorfiese kenmerke nie hoewel sommige kenmerke belangrike ekologiese funksies mag he. Van die belangrikste kenmerke sluit in 'n harpuislaag op die blare van R. burchelli en 'n olielaag op die van E. ericoides. Ander kenmerke sluit in 'n digte indumentum op jong blare van E. ericoides en groot hoeveelhede tannienagtige verbindings in die blare van beide spesies. Die struktuur van die blare word beskryf en bespreek in die lig van hulle ekologiese aanpassings. 

Answer 2

Answer:

Xerophytic plants are those which live in dry regions, where there is scarcity of water. Such plants undergoes adaptations necessary for preventing loss of water present in them. These adaptations cannot be found in non-xerophytic plants. The epidermis of xerophytic plants is different from non-xerophytic plants as this exhibit beneficial adaptation for survival in dry conditions. The epidermal cells of leaves and other parts of the plants are thickly cuticularized and cutinized to prevent water loss. Epidermal cells are coated with silica and wax. The wax is impermeable to water and silica provides protection against solar radiations. Color pigments like anthocyanin and betacyanin are present in the epidermal cells function as light screen which shield cells against excess sunlight. Bulbiform cells present in the epidermis inhibit exchange of water molecules both inside and outside of leaves in dry condition ,causes rolling up of leaves, as a result of this stomata remains closed and hence, prevents water loss through transpiration.