22
A pebbly
disguise puts
off plant-eating
animals.
Prickles protect
the stem
from thirsty
creatures.
Thick, spongy
bark holds water.
The roots can go
far to find water.
A chunky stem
stores water
for the plant
to use.
R
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Dry desert soils are home
to plants that can live without
rain for long periods of time.
Plants are few and far between,
but they have amazing
abilities to absorb water.
Living stones
Pebble plants can absorb water
from fog. During droughts they
shrink below ground, so they
need even less water.
Cactus
A network of
shallow, wide-
spreading roots
helps the plant
drink as much
water as possible
if it rains.
Saxaul tree
This tree’s root networks hold
large amounts of dry sand in
place. Planting more of them
stops soil blowing away.
D
RY SO
IL
S
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GGY
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.
022-023_Sand_And_Soggy_Soil.indd 22 08/11/2019 15:56