---
title: "No rain, no problem: Phreatophytes"
url: https://plants.lasse.co.uk/fact-archive/no-rain-no-problem-phreatophytes/
---

# No rain, no problem: Phreatophytes
Date: 2026-07-14

The roots of most plants are relatively shallow, often relying on a relatively consistent pattern of rainfall to support growth. However, phreatophytes have a much deeper root system, commonly up to 10 m deep, allowing them to reach down to the permanent groundwater table. Lucerne, *Welwitschia,* and willow are all phreatophytes.
![Image of lucerne, focused on the flowers. The flowers are small and bright pink. The image also shows the leaves with are long and thin.](https://plants.lasse.co.uk/images/RE2TJs9k9W0B1hbRh7fIryhejLY=/6/fill-1200x630/20240301_080919.jpg)


## References:

1. [Learn more about Phreatophytes](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phreatophyte)




## Related Pages

- [Welwitschia: making leaves last](https://plants.lasse.co.uk/fact-archive/welwitschia-making-leaves-last.md)



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