Which of the following types of xerophytes stores water in their tissues?

Succulent xerophytes are specialized plants adapted to arid environments by storing water in their tissues. They have fleshy stems or leaves that enable them to capture and retain moisture during periods of drought. This adaptation allows them to minimize water loss while maximizing water storage, which is crucial for survival in harsh, dry conditions where water availability is limited.

In contrast, ephemeral annuals complete their life cycle quickly during brief periods of favorable moisture, typically not storing significant amounts of water for prolonged use. Root-submerged hydrophytes and free-floating hydrophytes are both types of aquatic plants, and while they may require water for growth, they do not store it in the same way that succulent xerophytes do. Thus, succulent xerophytes are specifically characterized by their ability to conserve water in their tissues, making them the correct answer.