Quick Answer
Certain wild plants like cattails, wild yams, and plantain provide reliable water during droughts due to their ability to store water in their roots, rhizomes, or leaves.
Plants with Water-Storing Roots
Cattails (Typha latifolia) are an excellent choice for finding reliable water. Their rhizomes can store up to 3 liters of water per plant, making them a valuable resource in arid environments. To access the stored water, carefully dig around the base of the plant, taking care not to damage the rhizome.
Plants with Water-Storing Leaves
Wild yams (Dioscorea villosa) and plantain (Plantago major) both have leaves that store water. Wild yams can store up to 1 liter of water in their leaves, while plantain can store up to 500 milliliters. To access the water, simply tear off a leaf and suck on the end to extract the moisture.
Tips for Identifying Water-Storing Plants
To identify water-storing plants, look for plants with thick, waxy leaves or stems. These plants are often found in areas with poor soil quality, where competition for water is fierce. When searching for these plants, pay attention to their growth patterns and the presence of other water-storing plants in the area. By knowing which plants to look for, you can increase your chances of finding reliable water during a drought.
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