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How do plants evolve to conquer arid continents? Ranaivoson et al. (pages 1399‐1420) address this question through a study of the African grape genus Cyphostemma , revealing that larger genomes are closely linked to succulence and adaptation to arid environments. This adaptive mechanism is exemplified by Cyphostemma macrocarpum , featured on the cover, which inhabits Madagascar's seasonally dry limestone outcrops. Its succulent stems store water during the rainy season, allowing the plant to endure the prolonged droughts of the dry season.