0:00
5:41
5:41

David Attenborough: The Fascinating Life Cycle of Desert Plants | Nature Bites

Nature and animals

David Attenborough himself takes us through the fascinating - and often surprising - life cycle of desert plants. From their incredible tenacious qualities to their long lives, they're a little like Sir David himself! A xerophyte (or desert plant) is a species of plant that has adaptations to survive in an environment with little liquid water, such as a desert or an ice- or snow-covered region in the Alps or the Arctic. Popular examples of xerophytes are cacti, pineapple and some Gymnosperm plants. The structural features (morphology) and fundamental chemical processes (physiology) of xerophytes are variously adapted to conserve water, also common to store large quantities of water, during dry periods. Other species are able to survive long periods of extreme dryness or desiccation of their tissues, during which their metabolic activity may effectively shut down. Plants with such morphological and physiological adaptations are xeromorphic. Xerophytes such as cacti are capable of withstanding extended periods of dry conditions as they have deep-spreading roots and capacity to store water. Their waxy, thorny leaves prevent loss of moisture. Even their fleshy stems can store water. From Kingdom of Plants Season 1 Episode 3, "Solving the Secrets": this series, narrated and presented by Sir David Attenborough, documents the world of plants, from the strangest to the most beautiful. Plus, a look at how plants change their biology to adapt to the changing seasons, and ensure their survival. Welcome to Nature Bites the OFFICIAL Nature Hub Channel. Bringing you closer to the remarkable animals that inhabit our natural world. Subscribe for your nature fix here! - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjsom_OqbP8UiH3KOL07OEw?sub_confirmation=1 #DavidAttenborough #KingdomOfPlants #GreenPlanet

ADVERTISEMENT

Comments 100

Sign in to join the conversation

Sign in
tracey_ramos
tracey_ramos 2 weeks, 6 days ago

You can really tell how much you love and appreciate nature.

jessedavenport853
jessedavenport853 2 weeks, 6 days ago

He has such a soothing voice makes me feel better has done since I left school

zinalsood865
zinalsood865 3 weeks, 1 day ago

David is the thorn for humanity

S
stéphane.perrin 3 weeks, 2 days ago

Nobody explains these better than David Attenborough, NOBODY!!!!

R
ray_lewis 1 month, 4 weeks ago

I listen to Sir David's videos Just to calm my ecoanxiety and tune out this effed-up world

thibaultpixel54
thibaultpixel54 2 months, 1 week ago

David is the best

R
robertyadav686 2 months, 1 week ago

That was absolutely beautiful. I've learned so much more about the desert, but now I'm too old to go out and enjoy it

abigailbrown482
abigailbrown482 2 months, 3 weeks ago

I luv mr attenbourgh❤ His voice is so calming and hes beeen so wonderful teaching us so much about our mother earth and all her animals and plants Hes 99 ❤ Yay I hope your having a wonderful life sir We love you much and Thank you ❤️

irene.humphries
irene.humphries 3 months, 1 week ago

DAVID ATTENBOROUGH IS BRILLIANT...

claude.renard
claude.renard 3 months, 3 weeks ago

I hope he lives forever❤. What wonderfully informative videos. Thank you Sir.

C
carmen.vigil 3 months, 4 weeks ago

I want a whole documentary exactly like this on cacti and succulents

N
normamcconnell229 4 months ago

David Attenborough wwill be 100 years old this year on May the eighth.

N
naksh_chaudhry 4 months ago

When Sir David leaves this Earth,Mother Nature will lose the best friend she ever had! This man is the best example of a fine human being❤

abigailbrown482
abigailbrown482 4 months, 1 week ago

My cacti flower every year. Appreciate the simple joys of life.

V
vanessa_carlson 4 months, 3 weeks ago

That was beautiful . Have a great day!

M
maríadelcarmenuribe801 5 months, 1 week ago

An absolutely captivating piece of storytelling and education. Sir David Attenborough has an unmatched ability to turn even the harshest environments into something deeply fascinating, and this exploration of desert plants is no exception. The way their resilience, adaptations, and quiet beauty are explained makes you appreciate just how intelligent and alive these landscapes truly are. Combined with that unmistakable, soothing voice, this feels less like a documentary and more like a privilege to watch. Content like this reminds us why nature storytelling matters so much.

B
bertrand_charpentier 6 months, 3 weeks ago

David Attenborough + desert plants has got to be the best combination. Love this!

J
james_west 8 months, 1 week ago

The transitions are smooth!

R
ray_lewis 1 year, 1 month ago

Choosing Biology was a Worth it decision ❤

C
crystal_ramirez 1 year, 2 months ago

Thank you, David.