INDIAN GEOGRAPHY

Detailed explanation-1: -Xerophytic vegetation is characteristic feature of Kutch. A xerophyte 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.

Detailed explanation-2: -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.

Detailed explanation-3: -Opuntia is a xerophytic plant where the plant body modifies itself in flat, green succulent structure so as to avoid water loss. By modifying the Stem into a flat leaf-like structure, and reducing leaves into spines, more photosynthesis and less transpiration are achieved.

Detailed explanation-4: -So, the correct answer is ‘Spongy parenchyma’.