Plants that thrive in saltwater environments, known as halophytes, possess specialized features allowing them to survive the challenging conditions of high salinity. The primary feature is salt tolerance.
Key Features of Saltwater Plants (Halophytes)
Plants found in saltwater wetlands must cope with high salt levels that would be toxic to most other plants. To manage this, they exhibit specific adaptations.
Salt Tolerance Mechanisms
According to Flexi Says, plants in saltwater wetlands, or halophytes, require specific traits to survive, including the ability to handle high levels of salinity. This salt tolerance is achieved through different mechanisms:
- Salt Exclusion at Roots: Some halophytes prevent excessive salt from entering their vascular system in the first place. Their roots act as a filter, largely excluding salt ions while absorbing water.
- Salt Excretion: Other halophytes absorb salt but then actively remove it from their tissues. They may excrete excess salt through specialized salt glands located on their leaves or other surfaces. This process helps maintain a manageable salt concentration within the plant's cells.
These adaptations are crucial for these plants to maintain hydration and cellular function despite the presence of high salt concentrations in the surrounding water and soil.
