Plants can transport water from their roots to their leaves by a process call transpiration. Transpiration is the loss of water in the form of vapour through openings in the leaf. The process is called evaporation. About 95% of the water that the roots of the plant absorb is lost by transpiration. The plant only uses about 5% for photosynthesis to make food. Energy for all these processes comes from the sun (solar radiation). Sunny, hot weather increases the rate (how fast or slow) of transpiration. If water is not available the plant may wilt.
How plants absorb water
Water from the soil is absorbed by the roots and moves up the stem in long thin cells they like a cool drink straws. You will learn more about these cells in higher grades, but they are called xylem.
Special adaptations for plants in dry regions
If a plant does not get enough it will start to lose its shape and colour. This is called wilting
Water-wise plants
Plants wilt faster in warm weather when they lose water faster through the leaves. Plants that grow in dry desert like areas are specially adapted to cope with water shortage. The wild fig has a greyish leaves that reflect heat away from it.