Question

Choose the desert plant from the following:
(a)Lotus
(b)Banyan tree
(c)Opuntia
(d)Neem tree

Answer 1

Hint: Desert plants are those plants which are found in desert. Their main identification features are the presence of spines and large succulent leaf like structure. They need less water to survive.

Complete answer:
Opuntia is a desert plant which has adapted itself to live in extreme conditions of desert. The plant has modified leaves which are present in the form of spines. They have help in reducing the transpiration rate from the leaves. The stems have been modified into leaf-like structures which are used to carry out photosynthesis. The stomata present on them are on the lower side and are sunken to reduce a rate of transpiration occurring from them. The plant has long roots that go deep in the earth where the water table is present. As these plants don’t need a constant source of water, they are able to grow in the desert soil.

Additional Information: -Lotus plants usually grow in ponds or in muddy water. The plant has adapted to live in the shallow water bodies. The leaves are large in size and are in disc shape which keep the plant afloat in the pond. The leaf and the stem of the plant have a layer of wax coated on them which makes it difficult for the water to stay on it.
-Banyan trees are large trees. Their lifespan is up to 1000years. Banyan trees have root modification in them. They have prop roots which hang from the stem of the tree. At a younger stage they are very fragile but as they grow, they become strong and appear like branches. The tree uses these roots to grow laterally.
-Neem tree is a very valued plant and it is mainly found in the regions of deciduous woodlands. The neem tree is an economically important tree as its wood, bark, leaves and seeds are used for various purposes. Neem trees adapted to the poor soil condition. It can also tolerate high temperature.
So the answer is ‘Opuntia’.

Note: The stem of the desert plant has wax coating on it which helps in the reduction of transpiration of the plant. It also helps in reducing the temperature of the plant thus, keeping it cool.