Question

What would most likely happen to plants if they did not have a waxy outer coating?

Answer 1

They would dehydrate too rapidly and die. Plants (well, plants with true vascular systems) need to have water to dehydrate from the leaves to help draw the water up from the soil. This is transpiration, but without the waxy cuticle this would occur at an excessive rate, killing the plant.

Answer 2

They would dehydrate too rapidly and die. Plants (well, plants with true vascular systems) need to have water to dehydrate from the leaves to help draw the water up from the soil. This is transpiration, but without the waxy cuticle this would occur at an excessive rate, killing the plant.