Available


Cacti occur in a wide range of shapes and sizes. Most cacti live in habitats subject to at least some drought. Many live in extremely dry environments, even being found in the Atacama Desert, one of the driest places on earth.

Cacti show many adaptations to conserve water. Almost all cacti are succulents, meaning they have thickened, fleshy parts adapted to store water.

As well as defending against herbivores, spines help prevent water loss by reducing air flow close to the cactus and providing some shade.

Plant | Cactus | Spike | Green | Desert | Cacti | Flower | Tall