Succulents (plants that store water) such as cacti and agaves have thick, fleshy stems or leaves. Aloe vera is a perennial succulent xerophyte, which develops water storage tissue in the leaves to survive in dry areas of low or erratic rainfall.

In India Rajasthan and Gujarat are the main spots having xerophytic vegetation. The Aztecs fermented agave sap into a milky alcoholic beverage called pulque.

Plants that can survive in aquatic environments are called hydrophytes. Some examples include water lilies and lotus.

Plants that can survive in moderate climates are called mesophytes. Examples include most garden plants like roses, tomatoes, sunflowers, and many deciduous trees like oak and maple.

Plants that can survive in physiologically dry conditions are called xerophytes. Examples include cacti, succulents like aloe vera and agave.

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