What is a Sunken Stomata Explain with Example

Q. What are sunken stomata? Explain with an example? 

Sunken refers to something hidden; thus, sunken stomata buried or not completely visible to the surface are known as stomata. They are found in a layer of the epidermis or beneath the plant’s leaves. A tiny pit contains these stomata. Stomata that have sunk into the leaves are known as sunken stomata. A tiny pit located in the inner leaf layers contains them. These stomata evolved as a response to plants flourishing in water-scarce environments. They protect plants from losing water by limiting water vapour from escaping from air current flow or transpiration. 

The small pit size prevents water from escaping. Trichomes, as well as cuticles, also protect the pores. This adaptation is most noticeable in plants that grow in dry environments, where a large amount of water is lost through transpiration and drying winds. This aids the survival of such plants in a dry environment. Stomata that were not constantly exposed to the surface were referred to as “sunken.” It’s in a little hole that shields the existing water vapour from air currents, reducing leaf water loss. This sunken stomata characteristic is present in the leaves of succulent xerophytes (hot desert plants), especially gymnosperms exposed to high temperatures. Nerium, Pine, Acacia, and other plants with SUNKEN STOMATA. Plants that thrive in xerophytic environments have sunken stomata to lower the rate of transpiration. For example, Pinus, Dracaena, Yucca, and Opuntia.