Desert Guardian: Euphrates Poplar

In vast deserts and barren wilderness, flora and fauna are hardly seen, but euphrates poplars have stood tall for millions of years, becoming the only species of deciduous tree in the desert. Why can euphrates poplars grow and reproduce in such an extreme environment?

First of all, euphrates poplar is a plant species known for its solidarity and coexistence. Its root system is highly developed. While it may appear to be an independent tree above the ground, it often forms underground a large interconnected network of roots shared by a region's population of desert poplar trees, which enables water transportation. In addition, the groundwater in deserts often contains high levels of salt and alkali. With its leaves and trunks' unique ability to excrete excess salt and alkali, desert poplar expels excess salt from its body to prevent dying.

Furthermore, deserts often experience extreme temperature fluctuations between day and night, with daytime temperatures reaching over 50℃ and dropping below 0℃ at night. In such an environment, euphrates poplar's bark provides a dual effect of heat preservation and thermal insulation, keeping out high temperatures during scorching days and retaining warmth during cold nights.

Finally, euphrates poplar's trunk has excellent water storage capacity, allowing it to store as much water as possible for itself during rainy seasons until the next rainy season arrives. This cycle of water storage and usage enables the species to survive and thrive in a sustainable manner.