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<p>Plants exhibit a range of morphological adaptations to thrive in challenging environments. In response to seasonal stresses, these adaptations often involve physical changes that mitigate the negative effects of desiccation and enhance survival. In this study, we introduce a novel adaptation, ‘<i>Xerocoma</i>’, characterized by the formation of dry, cottony ball-like structures that serve as protective coverings for dormant leaf buds. This adaptation has not been previously recorded, possibly due to the limited research on non-woody plants in the North Western Ghats, where the current study is focused. Our observations indicate that <i>Xerocoma</i> is present in certain species belonging to the genera <i>Neuracanthus</i>,<i> Calacanthus</i>,<i> Dicliptera</i>, and <i>Cynarospermum</i> in the family Acanthaceae, and in <i>Blumea</i> and <i>Senecio</i> in Asteraceae. The current data can be further adapted or expanded through future research and investigations. These findings enhance our understanding of plant strategies for coping with seasonality and fire in this distinct ecological context, highlighting the need for further research to explore the ecological significance and potential prevalence of <i>Xerocoma-</i>related species and environments.</p>

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Xerocoma: A Novel Aridity-Induced Morphological Adaptation in Herbaceous Plants of the Western Ghats, India

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年1月13日

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  • Vijayan Smrithy,
  • Adittya V. Dharap,
  • Mandar N. Datar

摘要

Plants exhibit a range of morphological adaptations to thrive in challenging environments. In response to seasonal stresses, these adaptations often involve physical changes that mitigate the negative effects of desiccation and enhance survival. In this study, we introduce a novel adaptation, ‘Xerocoma’, characterized by the formation of dry, cottony ball-like structures that serve as protective coverings for dormant leaf buds. This adaptation has not been previously recorded, possibly due to the limited research on non-woody plants in the North Western Ghats, where the current study is focused. Our observations indicate that Xerocoma is present in certain species belonging to the genera Neuracanthus, Calacanthus, Dicliptera, and Cynarospermum in the family Acanthaceae, and in Blumea and Senecio in Asteraceae. The current data can be further adapted or expanded through future research and investigations. These findings enhance our understanding of plant strategies for coping with seasonality and fire in this distinct ecological context, highlighting the need for further research to explore the ecological significance and potential prevalence of Xerocoma-related species and environments.