Arid region plants use all sort of tricks to remain hydrated for the months that separate quite often heavy downpours.

These beautiful crystalline structures are not blades of grass but leaves of small shrubby bushes.

Like pine needles the cylindrical tubular leaves seal in the water keeping the internal cellular workings in good shape through searing 45 degree summers ready to capture the water when it finally rains again.

Photo: Robert Rath, ‘Crystal Grass’ 0.3s f/16 ISO320 15mm