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desert plant

desert plant

1 3.6
A plant that can live with very little water, for example a cactus
  • noun
  • /ˈdɛzərt plænt/
translation icon : planta del desierto
  • A desert plant that has both leaves and photosynthetic stems has an excellent overall strategy for annual carbon gain.
  • photosynthetic desert plant
  • desert plant adaptations
  • strategy for desert plant

Examples

  • Other desert plants may shed leaves—or entire branches—to cope with diminished water supplies.

    Academic text (1995)
  • However, not all desert plants have high rates of photosynthesis.

    Academic text (1998)
  • There are a few houses down our street that have done fantastic landscaping using desert plants.

    Blog text (28)
  • Many people wonder why so many desert plant communities are dominated by spiny species, most of them cacti.

    Academic text (2010)
  • In the desert, you can find many desert plants that have adapted to survive with little water.

  • Saguaro and prickly pear are well-known examples of desert plants that thrive in hot, dry climates.

  • Visitors can learn about desert plants that use unique techniques to conserve moisture in their harsh environment.

Synonyms

xerophyte
vsdesert plant
  • Specialized
9.9

A plant that lives in very dry places, like a cactus, and stores water

is used for plants needing only limited water rather than very little
xerophytic plant
vsdesert plant
  • Specialized
7.9

A plant that can live with very little water

is a general term for plants adapted to limited water, not just arid habitats
xerophilous plant
vsdesert plant
  • Specialized
9.9

A plant like a cactus that lives in very dry places and uses little water

is used for plants that tolerate limited water rather than very limited supply
xerophile
vsdesert plant
  • Specialized
9.9

A plant or living thing that lives where there is very little water

is specific to plants rather than including other organisms

How Drought-Tolerant

cactus
69 1.8
succulent
4 4.9
desert plant
1 3.6
garden plant
1 1.0

Surface Forms

desert plant singular
desert plants plural

Morphology

desert + plant

The meaning 'a plant adapted to survive in arid environments' is directly and transparently derived from combining 'desert' (a dry region) with 'plant' (a living photosynthetic organism). This noun-noun composition follows a common and cross-linguistically regular pattern, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents will readily understand the phrase.

Etymology

Desert plant names a plant that lives in a desert, a very dry place with little water. These plants often store water in thick leaves or stems and have spines or small leaves to save moisture, so 'desert plant' means a plant that can 'survive' with very little water.