Common desert plants and cacti species matched with region and one water-conservation adaptation each.
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- Saguaro cactus
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Sonoran Desert, Arizona. Tall columnar ribbed structure stores large amounts of water.- Prickly pear
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Mexico and southwestern USA. Flat segmented pads store water and photosynthesize.- Barrel cactus
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Arizona and Sonoran Desert. Spherical shape with small surface area minimizes water loss.- Ocotillo
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Arizona and Sonoran Desert. Sheds leaves during drought to prevent water loss through transpiration.- Creosote bush
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Arizona and Sonoran Desert. Waxy leaf coating reduces transpiration and water loss.- Aloe vera
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North Africa and Middle East. Thick fleshy leaves store water in gel-like tissue.- Teddy bear cholla
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Sonoran Desert, Arizona. Densely packed spines provide shade and reduce water evaporation.- Desert rose
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Africa and Arabia. Swollen trunk base (caudex) stores water reserves.- Agave or century plant
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Mexico. Thick succulent leaves store large amounts of water and nutrients.- Twisted yucca
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Arizona and New Mexico. Stiff waxy leaves are oriented vertically to reduce transpiration.- Brittlebush
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Arizona and Sonoran Desert. Small waxy leaves and light coloring reduce water loss and heat stress.- Desert willow
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Arizona, New Mexico, and Mexico. Sheds leaves entirely during drought to stop water loss.- Ironwood or Palo Fierro
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Arizona and Sonoran Desert. Extremely deep root system accesses groundwater far below surface.- Mesquite
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Arizona, New Mexico, and Mexico. Taproots can reach 200 feet deep to access underground water.- Palo verde
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Arizona and Sonoran Desert. Green photosynthetic bark allows survival with minimal water-losing leaves.
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