Which leaf shape predominates in rainy regions? Explain.?

Question

Which leaf shape predominates in dry regions? Explain.

Answer 1

Availability of water is the #1 limit to plant growth. In desert regions, leaves are small or needle-like to limit water-losing surface area, or succulent and waxy to store water and prevent the escape of water. So in rainy regions,  these strategies are not necessary - plants tend to have broad, flat, non-succulent leaves to expose as much leaf surface area to the sun as possible, without any regard to conserving water. A great example is the skunk cabbage, which is found only in wet areas - broad, flat leaves. Another example is the cottonwood tree, a common tree found along streams and rivers - again, broad, flat leaves.