Certain desert plants can pull water from the air even when humidity is as low as 30%.

The Welwitschia mirabilis is a prehistoric plant native to the Namib Desert that can live for over 1,500 years. Because this region receives less than 100 millimeters of annual rainfall, the plant has evolved to rely on coastal fog. Its two massive leaves have a high density of stomata that can absorb moisture directly from the atmosphere when humidity levels are sufficient.Research published in journals like 'Nature Communications' highlights how desert flora utilize hygroscopic surfaces to capture water. These plants use specialized trichomes or microscopic ridges that create a capillary effect, pulling liquid toward the plant body. This process is highly efficient, allowing survival in arid zones where soil moisture is virtually non-existent.The creosote bush (Larrea tridentata) also employs a unique strategy by using a resinous coating on its leaves. This resin prevents water loss through transpiration while simultaneously helping the plant capture dew during the cool desert nights. These adaptations are critical for maintaining turgor pressure and photosynthesis in environments with 30% to 40% relative humidity.Scientists are currently studying these biological mechanisms to develop new water-harvesting technologies for human use. By mimicking the nanostructures found on these leaves, engineers hope to create materials that can extract clean drinking water from dry air in drought-stricken regions. This field, known as biomimicry, proves that desert plants are master engineers of resource management.