Wave action and wind create an aersol of seawater that causes cell death in shoots on the seaward side of plants resulting in less growth than on the leaward side. Plants subjected to such conditions exhibit uneven growth and appear to be growing away from the ocean. Sand burial . Wind and water action such as overwash readily move sand that can bury plants and propagules. Plants adapted to these environments often have shoots that can grow up through the sand.
Larger seeds are also an adaptation for growing in habitats subjected to sand burial.
With adequate rainfall and dew formation sand may not be highly deficient in moisture. Long, extensive roots systems allow plants in deep sands to tap the water supply. Succulent, thickened, hardened, and waxy leaves are adaptations seen in plants in arid coastal environments. Animals have dramatic affects on coastal vegetation. Nitrogen and phosphorus are limited in sandy coastal soils and constrain plant growth.