Which one among the following is not a feature of Xerophytes?

Xerophytes are plants adapted to survive in arid environments where water is scarce [3]. Their primary survival strategy involves minimizing water loss through transpiration. Key features include smaller leaves or leaf-like structures to reduce surface area [1], a thick waxy cuticle that acts as a barrier to evaporation and reflects heat, and stomata located in sunken pits or grooves. These sunken stomata trap moist air, lengthening the diffusion pathway and reducing the transpiration rate. Conversely, a large number of stomata would facilitate excessive water loss, which is detrimental in dry climates [2]. While some xerophytes may have high stomatal density to maximize carbon dioxide uptake during brief periods of water availability, they typically possess mechanisms to keep them closed or protected; however, a "large number of stomata" is generally considered a characteristic of hydrophytes or mesophytes rather than a defining xerophytic adaptation.

Sources

1. [1] Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 30: Climatic Regions > Natural Vegetation In The Mediterranean Climate > p. 449
2. [3] Science , class X (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 5: Life Processes > Activity 5.1 > p. 83
3. [2] Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.) > Chapter 3: MAJOR BIOMES > 10. Desert Biomes > p. 15