Broad plant, narrow plant?

Question

why do broad plant tend to wilt more than narrow plants

Answer 1

braod plants have a higher surface area to volume ratio.  Volume dictates how much water a plant can hold.  Water loss is proportional to surface area.  So a high surface are to volume ration means it loses its store of water faster.

Answer 2

Broad leaf plants are usually those that grow in places where water is not a limiting factor. They usually have lots of stomates on their leaves. As a result they wilt readily when water is in short supply. This is a coping mechanism and they will rehydrate quickly if water becomes available.

Narrow leaf plants are frequently from more arid environments and have fewer stomates (both in density and because there is less surface area). They also often show other adaptations to dry climates: things like thick cuticles, hairy under-surfaces and more fiber in their leaves. All these things make the leaf more rigid, less exposed to sunlight and so, less prone to wilting.