to the species it grows thick succulent leaves that grow high of the ground. This itself prevents the surface of the leaves from drying out and the stumpy branches which are coated in a fine white powder, reflects the suns rays. The trunk and branches of the tree are filled with a soft fibre, which can hold a large mass of water but in the most severe drought the quiver tree takes a more excessive step. The leaves must have pores for gaseous exchange, which is vital to their manufacture of food, but these pores risk moisture being evaporated, so in extreme situations, the tree amputates itself. At a point just beneath the leaves, a branch will narrow so it can no longer hold the leaves; these then will fall off. The stump then seals itself and protects the water within it. The stumps never regrow their leaves but the trees water needs have been reduced and other leaves saved, and the tree can survive the drought with its meagre supply until the rains come.In forests, occasional destruction by fire started by natural causes, usually lightning, can have devastating effects. Temperatures of over 1000oC can be reached in these wooded areas, due to the ready source of fuel and assistance from the winds. Regular burning whether it is natural or started by man to regenerate the soil can eliminate many fire sensitive plants but also encourage species, which are adapted to fire. Features of these species include the possession of thick resistant bark and an ability to regenerate quickly after the passage of fire. Certain conifers have cones that are serotinous, that is they require the heat of the fire to bring about the separation of the cone scales and release the seed. Forest fires often bring about the domination of such species to the specific areas in which they occur, the eucalyptus of Australia being another example.So plants, by various means, solve the problem of surviving in extreme conditions. Living in intense heat, wit...
