In nature, water can be drawn not only from streams, rivers or thrashing springs. There are also other natural sources of drinking water – plants, blood or, for example, frogs from species adapted to life in the desert. The natives generally know, where water can be found in a given area, which is their most important resource
natural. Always remember when using natural water sources, so that you do not disturb the existing balance in a given environment, which allows the locals to survive. You must not spoil or contaminate a well or any other water abstraction point, nor to waste this life-giving natural wealth.
WATER STORAGE PLANTS
Many plants store water in their roots, leaves or stems. Some of them follow this, to attract and catch insects, others give off fluids, which people can drain and drink when needed. Here are some plants from around the world, which store water.
Stapelia
How many succulent plants, it stores water in the stem. You can also quench your thirst by chewing its fleshy leaves.
Nepenthe (Nepenthes)
Insects fall into the jug-shaped leaf, which melt in the watery liquid. You can drink water from a jug, but it must be strained first.
Acacia (Acacia)
It stores water in the roots located just below the surface of the earth.
Neoregalia
This plant stores water in the stem; has edible leaves, that can be chewed, quenching thirst.
Prickly pear (Opuntia)
Some cacti, such as prickly pear, they have fleshy ones, similar to leaves, stems, that can be chewed, sucking the water out of them.
Cactus (Ferocactus, Echinocactus)
Meeting such a barrel-shaped cactus, we need not be afraid, that the milky juice of this plant will harm us (see page opposite). Various species of these cacti reach heights up to 1 metra.
OTHER SOURCES
Many palms make a sweet syrup, which can be obtained from flowering shoots. Plants that grow in the desert store water in their roots or underground shoots. However, it is difficult to find and dig up such plants. Certain species of Australian and African frogs store water in their bodies.
