Ecosystems

Savannah

Savannah biome

Plants of savannah

The plants of the savannahs are mainly xeromorphic, i.e. adapted to the lack of water, including graminaceous plants, bushes and different species of trees. These adaptations are generally aimed at preventing water evaporating: falling of leaves during the dry season (such as the acacia) or reduction of foliar surface or development of leathery shells to protect leaves (sclerophyillia), such as the euphorbia. Another form of adaptation to the lack of water is the development of very deep roots to go searching for moisture (such as the Cactaceae) or fleshy stalks or roots to trap water inside (such as the Cactaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Liliaceae or Leguminosae). The typical trees of this biome are acacias with their typical umbrella-shaped foliage, but there are also plenty of other leguminous plants bristling with thorns whose purpose is to defend them from herbivores and prevent water from evaporating.