What do Hairs on Plants do with Water?

Plants, being living organisms, require water to survive just like any other creature. However, plants, unlike animals, can't go out and find water themselves, which is why plants have adapted a range of unique features to help them get the water they need. One such feature is the hairs found on many plants. In this article, we explore what the hairs on plants do with water and how this helps the plant.

What are Plant Hairs?

The "hairs" on plants are small, thin, protrusions that grow out of the surface of the plant. These protrusions often look like small hairs, hence the name. In reality, however, plant hairs take on many different shapes and sizes, and can be found on different parts of a plant, including the leaves, stems, and roots. Generally, plant hairs serve a range of purposes, including protection from predators, increased surface area for water and nutrient absorption, and thermoregulation.

How do Plant Hairs Interact with Water?

In many plants, hairs help to absorb and preserve moisture. The hairs' small surface area and close proximity to the plant's surface trap moisture, allowing the plant to retain water for longer periods. On some plants, such as ferns, the small hairs can also help to absorb moisture from the air, allowing the plant to obtain water even when the soil is dry.

In addition to absorbing moisture, plant hairs can also act as a barrier to prevent excess water from getting into the plant. This can help to protect the plant from over-hydration, which can lead to root rot and other issues. Plants that grow in very wet environments often have a dense covering of hairs on their stems and leaves for this reason.

Specific Examples of Plant Hairs

Now that we know what plant hairs are and how they interact with water, let's look at some specific examples of plants that use hairs to obtain and retain water:

The Venus Flytrap

The Venus flytrap is a carnivorous plant that lives in wet, swampy environments. Its leaves are covered in small, hair-like protrusions known as "trigger hairs." When an insect lands on the plant and touches these hairs, the trap snaps shut, trapping the insect inside. The hairs also help to absorb moisture from the environment, which helps to keep the plant hydrated in its wet habitat.

The Sycamore Tree

The sycamore tree is a deciduous tree that can grow up to 100 feet tall. It has a dense covering of hairs on its leaves, which helps to protect the plant from excess water in rainy environments. The hairs also help to trap moisture around the plant, keeping it hydrated even during periods of drought.

The Cactus

Cacti are well-known for their ability to thrive in hot, dry environments. They have evolved a specialized type of hair called "trichomes" that helps them survive in these harsh conditions. These hairs are typically long and spiky, which helps to prevent animals from eating the cactus. The trichomes also help to reflect sunlight, reducing the amount of water that the plant loses to evaporation. In addition, some cacti have hairs on their roots that help to absorb water from deep underground sources.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the hairs on plants serve a range of functions, including protection from predators, thermoregulation, and most pertinently, the absorption and retention of moisture. The variety of ways in which different plants use these hairs to cope with their environments highlights the incredible adaptability of nature.