Xylem are microscopic tubes that transport water.
Pits are tiny openings between xylem tubes.
Drought causes xylem walls to become more flexible and pits to close.
Sideways water flow through pits keeps the plant balanced.
Research may lead to drought‑resistant crops for farmers.
During a drought, the plant’s water tubes become narrower and the tiny openings, called pits, shrink.
These changes make it harder for water to flow, so the plant saves water.
Scientists measured these changes with special cameras and computer models.
Understanding this helps create crops that can grow with less water.
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