Plants in Desert

  PLANTS IN DESERT

Plant life in the desert is scarce, but there are more plants living here than you would expect. For example two of the most popular desert plants are the ocotillo which is a leafy green plant that produces flowers. The other one is the saguaro cactus which was named Arizona's state flower.

Plants in the desert are forced to make many adaptions in order to survive in this dry, hot land. Some adaptions are when rain falls they sprout at that moment, bloom quickly, ripen their seed in a few days, then whither and die. Other plants depend on underground water. Most plants have developed roots that grow up to 80 ft. long. The Cactus also survives because it has a thick waxy layer on the outside of its stems and leaves. 

This helps to retain water and protect tissues from intense sunlight. Other plants store water in their fleshy stems or leaves and are called succulents.
The Desert plants are of great importance to the animals of the desert. They find most of their food and water from plants. Dew left on plants, and salt which helps the plant take in water, are vital sources of life. The whisker cactus provides food for insects. Goats also feed on a small cactus called the "Living Rock." It grows among rocks to camouflage itself as to avoid being eaten by hungry animals.