Many home gardeners quickly become stressed when less than
ideal climatic conditions present themselves. Whether there is too much rain or
a drought, growers can become frustrated when they find that their plants are
not able to thrive. However, many plants throughout the world are adapted to
and able to withstand even the harshest of growing conditions. Taking a closer
look at how plants survive these harsh growing conditions can help home
gardeners better plan their own landscapes.
How Plants Survive Extreme Environments
One of the most common arguments for the use of native plant species in the garden is their adaptability to local growing conditions.
Depending upon your growing region, some plants will simply be more suited than
others. Just like the native plants in your own backyard, plant species
throughout the world are able to withstand the hottest and the coldest of
extreme weather.
Plants from harsh climates are naturally suited to withstand
those conditions. Even in some of the most punishing places for plants, one is
able to find trees, foliage, and even flowers that are in full bloom.
The harsh, hot, and dry conditions of the world’s deserts
serve as just one example in which severe conditions for plants have led to the
establishment of a strong native ecosystem. One interesting way these plants
have adapted is through the development of long, deep root systems. These root
systems are able to sustain the plant, even through prolonged periods of
drought.
As one would imagine, long term lack of water in desert
regions also makes it very difficult for new seeds to germinate. Due to this
fact, many native plants in this region have the unique ability to reproduce by
budding. These “buds” are new growths that form from the base of the plant and
are essentially clones of the parent plant. Many of these budding plants, such
as succulents, have become very popular in home ornamental gardens.
Other plants that live in extreme conditions, such as those that
grow in arctic and alpine regions, have developed special adaptations which
allow them to thrive as well. High winds and cold temperatures make it
especially important for these plants to grow with protection. In most cases,
this means that the plants grow very low to the ground. Larger plants, such as
evergreens, have thick and full foliage that protects the trunks and stems of
tree from wind, snow, and cold.
Many home gardeners quickly become stressed when less than
ideal climatic conditions present themselves. Whether there is too much rain or
a drought, growers can become frustrated when they find that their plants are
not able to thrive. However, many plants throughout the world are adapted to
and able to withstand even the harshest of growing conditions. Taking a closer
look at how plants survive these harsh growing conditions can help home
gardeners better plan their own landscapes.
How Plants Survive Extreme Environments
One of the most common arguments for the use of native plant species in the garden is their adaptability to local growing conditions.
Depending upon your growing region, some plants will simply be more suited than
others. Just like the native plants in your own backyard, plant species
throughout the world are able to withstand the hottest and the coldest of
extreme weather.
Plants from harsh climates are naturally suited to withstand
those conditions. Even in some of the most punishing places for plants, one is
able to find trees, foliage, and even flowers that are in full bloom.
The harsh, hot, and dry conditions of the world’s deserts
serve as just one example in which severe conditions for plants have led to the
establishment of a strong native ecosystem. One interesting way these plants
have adapted is through the development of long, deep root systems. These root
systems are able to sustain the plant, even through prolonged periods of
drought.
As one would imagine, long term lack of water in desert
regions also makes it very difficult for new seeds to germinate. Due to this
fact, many native plants in this region have the unique ability to reproduce by
budding. These “buds” are new growths that form from the base of the plant and
are essentially clones of the parent plant. Many of these budding plants, such
as succulents, have become very popular in home ornamental gardens.
Other plants that live in extreme conditions, such as those that
grow in arctic and alpine regions, have developed special adaptations which
allow them to thrive as well. High winds and cold temperatures make it
especially important for these plants to grow with protection. In most cases,
this means that the plants grow very low to the ground. Larger plants, such as
evergreens, have thick and full foliage that protects the trunks and stems of
tree from wind, snow, and cold.