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How are deciduous plants different from evergreen plants?

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Tall baobab trees with thick, cylindrical trunks and broad canopies line a dirt road in Madagascar, surrounded by green vegetation under a blue sky. — plant Grandidier's baobas (*Adansonia grandidieri*) in Madagascar.

The primary difference between deciduous and evergreen plants lies in their leaf-retention strategies, which have evolved as adaptations to their specific environments.12

Deciduous Plants

Deciduous plants shed their leaves annually, typically before the onset of winter or a dry season. This process, known as abscission, is a protective mechanism. Because deciduous leaves are generally thin and delicate, they are highly susceptible to damage from freezing temperatures, wind, and snow. By dropping these leaves, the plant conserves energy and avoids the metabolic cost of maintaining foliage that cannot function efficiently during stressful periods.132

Evergreen Plants

Evergreen plants retain their leaves throughout the year and into the following growing season. Their leaves are usually thicker, leathery, or needlelike, providing durability against environmental stressors. This adaptation allows evergreens to perform photosynthesis whenever conditions—such as temperature and moisture availability—are favorable. While evergreens are often associated with cold-temperate coniferous forests, they also thrive in tropical regions and dry environments where their specialized foliage helps minimize water loss.12