xeric

/ˈzɛrɪk/

Habitats so dry that very few plants can grow there are described as xeric. There are several xeric areas in the U.S., including the xeric shrublands near the Grand Canyon.

Ecologists sometimes use the terms xeric and arid interchangeably to mean "very dry." You might read about the xeric conditions in the Sahara, or xeric habitats that allow only very short, scrubby bushes to flourish. Plants and animals can also be described as xeric when they're able to survive in a dry environment. The word comes from a Greek root, xeros, "dry."

Definitions of xeric

1. adjective

   being deficient in moisture
   “deserts provide xeric environments”

   synonyms:

   xerophytic

   adapted to a xeric (or dry) environment

   antonyms:

   hydric

   having or characterized by excessive moisture

   mesic

   having or characterized by moderate or a well-balanced supply of moisture

   hydrophytic

   growing wholly or partially in water

   hygrophytic

   requiring an abundance of moisture

   mesophytic

   being or growing in or adapted to a moderately moist environment