CAM Plant

Plants that use crassulacean acid metabolism, an adaptation for photosynthesis in arid conditions.

This is a photo of an orchid. Many orchids obtain water from the air or rain rather than from their roots. This means that, like plants in arid climates, orchids must conserve water. Plants that use crassulacean acid metabolism acquire CO2 at night when the stomata are open. During the day, the Calvin cycle takes place and the stomata are closed to prevent water loss.