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An individual leaf has many smaller parts.
Adaptations are changes in life forms over time that improve their potential to survive. The size, shape, texture, and color of leaves help protect plants in many ways, and sometimes the same leaf adaptations can serve more than one purpose, depending on where a plant lives. For example:
The hairs on Echeveria ‘Doris Taylor’ help it survive in dry environments. Photo by Sandy Masuo. | The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens.
The spines on the finger cactus (Mammillaria longimamma, top) and crown of thorns (Euphorbia milii, below) help protect the plants from hungry animals. Photos by Ivan Garibaldo, John Trager, and Max Tepper. | The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens.
The waxy coating on Dudleya pachyphytum provides sun protection in dry environments. Photo by Max Tepper. | The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens.
Water lilies (Nymphaeaceae) have soft, delicate leaves. Photo by Max Tepper. | The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens.
The boojum tree (Fouquieria columnaris) is a desert plant with small leaves. Photos by Max Tepper. | The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens.
Aloe camperi has thick leaves filled with water. Photos by John Trager and Max Tepper. | The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens.
The dark green leaves of Anthurium warocqueanum are adapted to low light. Photos by Jamie Pham. | The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens.
The light leaves of white sage (Salvia apiana) help protect it from overheating in hot, dry environments. Photo by Max Tepper. | The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens.
Coauthors
Victoria Gonzalez is digital learning specialist at The Huntington.
Sandy Masuo is botanical content specialist at The Huntington.
Contributors
Rebecca Kon is a former curriculum development specialist at The Huntington.
Reviewers
Dora Dalton is a freelance writer and editor.
Kathy Musial is senior curator of living collections at The Huntington.
Sarah Thomas is school programs and partnerships manager at The Huntington.
John Trager is Bernie and Miyako Storch Curator of the Desert Garden and Collections at The Huntington.