Desert plants

More about the book

Deserts may seem captivating during brief visits, but the lives of plants and animals are challenging due to extreme temperatures and limited water, often coupled with high salt concentrations. The editor, raised in the Great Indian Desert, has dedicated much of his life to studying desert plant growth and metabolism. Envisioning a comprehensive volume on desert plants, he aims to highlight their functional and beneficial aspects, supported by scientific insights to enhance understanding and utility. The sparse vegetation not only sustains animal life but also provides essential resources like medicines, timber, and fuel. Key chapters focus on medicinal plants, halophytes, and fruit-bearing species. Additionally, the unique reproductive biology of desert plants, along with their specialized eco-physiological and anatomical traits, is explored. The challenges in propagating these plants present significant hurdles for researchers pursuing biotechnological solutions. This volume seeks to illuminate the remarkable adaptations and survival strategies of desert flora, showcasing their importance in both ecological and human contexts.