When we talk about trees that don't need water We are referring to species that are particularly resistant to drought, which makes them a good choice for areas where rainfall is not common.
If you are planning your garden and it does not rain regularly in your region, it is best to choose some of the trees we are going to see below.
The olive tree, the most popular among trees that do not need water
The olive tree is an emblematic tree of the Mediterranean region, where we know it has been cultivated for thousands of years. It has a high economic value because it produces olives from which olive oil is extracted, but it is also highly appreciated for its cultural and environmental value.
One of its most notable characteristics is its extraordinary resistance to drought, which has allowed it to survive in areas with arid and semi-arid climates where other species would have a hard time surviving.
Why is it so resistant to drought?
Because it has a series of physiological and morphological adaptations which allow it to make the most of the little water it receives:
- Small leaves, with a hard and leathery texture. They may not be very pretty, but they are perfect for reducing the leaf surface exposed to sun and wind, thus reducing water loss through transpiration.
- Protected stomata. The stomata or pores on the leaves are sunken and protected by hairs called trichomes, which also helps reduce water evaporation.
- Extensive root system. The olive tree also has an extensive and deep root system that allows it to obtain water from the subsoil.
It is a tree with a metabolism very well adapted to drought that, in extreme conditions, is able to regulate transpiration and maintain its vital functions intact.
There are olive tree varieties that are especially resistant to drought. Picual It is the most cultivated in Spain, but there are others like the Arbequina, Hojiblanca and Cornicabra, which tolerate droughts, high temperatures and even frost.
Baobab
It is impossible to talk about trees that do not need water without mentioning the Baobab. Because it is a unique example of adaptation to an extremely dry environment, since it grows wild in the African savannas.
In arid and semi-arid ecosystems, it plays a fundamental role by providing food and shelter to numerous species of animals. In addition to its fruits, its seeds and leaves are also edible.
Why is the Baobab so resistant to drought?
The physical characteristics that make it so exceptional include:
- Massive trunk that acts as a water reservoir. An adult specimen can hold up to 120.000 liters of water in its trunk, allowing it to live for years without receiving water.
- Thick and porous bark. It is responsible for reducing the evaporation of the water contained in the trunk.
- Small, deciduous leaves. This reduces the leaf surface exposed to the sun and wind, decreasing water loss through transpiration.
- Extensive root system. Their roots grow so extensively that they are able to find water located a long distance from the location of the tree.
If you are considering planting a Baobab in your garden, keep in mind that it adapts best to hot, dry climates, that it must be exposed to full sun and that it does not tolerate temperatures below 10º C.
Stone pine
This emblematic tree of the Mediterranean It grows from the Iberian Peninsula to Türkiye. It is highly appreciated for its fruits (the pine nuts), but also for its wood, which is used both in construction and in carpentry.
In Mediterranean ecosystems, it contributes to soil fixation, regulation of the hydrological cycle and the conservation of biodiversity. In addition, its pine nuts are an extraordinary source of food for many species of animals.
Adaptations of stone pine to drought
As in the previous cases of trees that do not need water, the stone pine also has a series of physical characteristics that reflect its adaptation to an environment in which rainfall is usually scarce.
- Needle-shaped leaves. One of its distinguishing features is its long, thin, needle-shaped leaves. This particular shape reduces the leaf surface that is exposed to the sun and wind, decreasing water loss through transpiration.
- Protected stomata. In this case the pores are sunken and protected by a layer of wax that also helps to reduce water evaporation.
- Parasol-shaped cup. The particular shape of its canopy, which is wide and flat, similar to an umbrella, allows it to intercept more sunlight and protect the soil from erosion. With more soil available, greater access to water is ensured.
- Deep root system. As in the other cases, this tree also has roots that grow deep and can access groundwater.
Acacia
Acacia is a genus of trees and shrubs that includes More than 1.000 species, many of them known for their remarkable resistance to drought.
Particularly noteworthy is the acacia tortilis, native to Africa, which is able to survive with very little water. Also the acacia saligna, originally from Australia and which adapts well to saline soils and drought.
Acacia adaptation to drought
This genus of trees has a series of physical characteristics that enhance its resistance to drought:
- Modified leaves. In fact, they are not leaves but phyllodes, flattened leaf stems that carry out photosynthesis. Because they are small, this reduces water loss through transpiration.
- Thick crust. This bark protects the trunk against water loss through evaporation.
- Extensive and deep root system. This feature allows it to access underground water reserves.
There are many trees that do not need a lot of water. Any of the ones we have seen can be a good option for your garden if rainfall is not common in your region.