Did you know that waxy leaves help retain moisture? Yep! It is similar to us humans putting Chapstick on our lips. This waxy surface is especially helpful in dry environments. It basically reflects light and reduces evaporation through the leaves. … Read More
Here’s another interesting Plant Adaptation for our SoCal habitats. The prickly pear cactus is a succulent, meaning it stores a lot of water. It is also considered fire adapted. The spines are the leaves and provide shade to the cactus. … Read More
An image of a Toyon plant with upward pointing leaves and red clustered berries with the plant name identified in the upper left corner in white letters. The words “Plant Adaptation” in green below the image and “Upward Pointing Leaves” … Read More
Here is another plant adaptation for our Mediterranean climate. Small hairs on the leaf (called trichomes) help keep the plant cool and protect it from the sun. The hairs reduce the rate of water loss (through transpiration) by deflecting the effects … Read More
The plants found in our region have adapted to our climate, rainfall, slope, wildfire, and more. Laurel Sumac uses the shade of its own leaves (through a taco-shape) to reduce the surface area hit by the sun’s rays. The shade … Read More