Sand Dunes
The Galapagos beaches are kept intact by (and are a Dome for) several salt-tolerant herbs, shrubs, and vines found on these shores. |
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Beach Morning Glory: Sometimes called Ipomoea, this is a creeping vine that helps stabilize beaches. It is recognized by the purple, funnel-shaped, daylight-opening flower.
Salt Bush: A most prominent beach plant, the salt bush has heart-shaped, puckered leaves; they even look (and supposedly) taste salty. Some of the Guides will call it Cryptocarpus, part of its Latin (scientific) name.
Sesuvium: During the dry season, this ice plant turns red and is among the most colorful plants in the Galapagos, forming extensive mats. The small, star-shaped flowers are quite distinctive. It is seen near the shore of several islands, most notably on South Plaza.
Dry Area Plants
Arid conditions prevail throughout most of the Galapagos. Thus, it is no surprise that drought-resistant, dry area flora dominates much of the harsh landscape.
Cacti: Cacti are succulents, a classification of plants having thick, fleshy leaves or stems for the purpose of storing and conserving moisture. In the case of the cactus family, it is the leaf-like stems that achieve this function. Aside from serving as water-storage vessels, the pads also replace leaves as the photosynthetic organs. In addition, spines have also evolved. |
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